The Coast Guard yesterday went to the aid of an injured merchant seaman aboard a vessel about 100 miles west of Līhu'e.

Officials learned Wednesday that a 34-year-old man sustained an eye injury while cutting metal pipe aboard the vehicle transport vessel Ryujin.

An HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Barbers Point Air Station was sent yesterday to establish the ship's position and to communicate with its crew.

Next, the Coast Guard launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter. It flew to the ship, hoisted the injured man aboard and took him to Līhu'e Airport. He was driven to Wilcox Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.