A distressed mariner, whose 60-foot long sailing vessel was dismasted approximately 85 miles northwest of Palmyra Atoll, was rescued today, the Coast Guard reported.

James Blackford was rescued by the crew of the motor vessel Global Explorer. Blackford, who was in good condition, will be taken Global Explorer’s next port of call in Japan.

 His vessel, the Makalii, was left behind and adrift. 

The Global Explorer crew arrived on scene at approximately 12 a.m. Tuesday, but could not conduct the rescue due to severe weather conditions. At approximately 9 a.m. they were able to safely bring Blackford aboard the Global Explorer.

The Makalii was about 85 miles northwest of Palmyra Atoll Sunday when it issued a distress signal. The Coast Guard launched HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Barbers Point and located the sailboat, which had lost its mast, at about 2:30 a.m. Monday. The Coast Guard crew dropped a pump, radio and marker buoy to the sailboat, which had been taking on water. But boat master James Blackford said that problem was under control.

The Global Explorer, was diverted to assist Blackford.