U.S. Coast Guard photo

(BIVN) – The U.S. Coast Guard says it has completed Operation Koa Kai, held in the month of October off the Island of Hawaiʻi.

Operation Koa Kai is “a comprehensive month-long maritime security and safety operation” that reflects “the Coast Guard’s mission to protect and serve the maritime community, ensuring the smooth flow of commerce, maintaining maritime safety, and responding promptly to emergencies.” The operation is carried out in collaboration with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement.

This year, the operation included safety zone enforcement for the 2.4-mile swim course included in the Ironman World Championship Women’s Race held in Kailua-Kona.

U.S. Coast Guard photo

According to a U.S. Coast Guard news release, operations completed include:

• 137 underway hours with 19 joint patrol hours
• Two search and rescue responses
• 26 maritime security and response operation patrols
• 11 small vessel security boardings (SVSB)
• Three high-capacity passenger vessel escorts
• 24 Response Boat-Small boardings and nine uninspected passenger vessel boardings
• Dockside inspections conducted in collaboration with the Marine Safety Team (MST) Hawaii for certificate of inspection verification.

“This operation exemplifies the commitment of our Coast Guard personnel and partner agencies to the security and safety of Hawaii’s maritime domain,” said Chief Warrant Officer Omar Perez, a Coast Guard Sector Honolulu enforcement officer. “Our combined efforts are essential in maintaining maritime security and safeguarding lives in the waters off the Big Island of Hawaii.”

For the Ironman safety zone enforcement, the Coast Guard wrote:

While taking part in Operation Koa Kai, the Coast Guard Maritime Safety & Security Team 91107 Honolulu (MSST) provided safety zone enforcement for the 2.4-mile swim course included in the Ironman World Championship Women’s Race held in Kailua-Kona. The MSST played a pivotal role in a collaborative interagency effort, joining forces with agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Federal Air Marshals, Department of Defense, Hawaii Police Department, Hawaii Sheriff’s Office, Hawaii Conservation Officers, Hawaii Fire Department, and the Ironman Public Safety/Emergency Management department. This partnership, characterized by meticulous mission planning and preparation, was aimed at ensuring the safety of all athletes, spectators, staff, and volunteers during the high-profile event.

U.S. Coast Guard photo