The Coast Guard rescued three adults who were adrift on a recreational boat that ran out of fuel 21 miles northwest of Kailua-Kona Sunday morning.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a call from a friend of the vessel’s crew that the 21-foot boat was running out of fuel.

A Maui-based Coast Guard 45-foot response boat, a HC-130 Hercules airplane from Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska were sent to the scene.

The aircrew reached the boat at 5:15 p.m. and dropped provisions, flares and a radio, establishing communications with the boat’s captain.

The response boat crew took the vessel in tow at 7:10 p.m. and returned it to Kawaihae Harbor.

The Coast Guard urges boaters to remain aware of their vessel’s fuel capacity and other limitations. It also recommends filing float plans, installing a VHF marine band radio and frequently checking safety equipment such as flares and life jackets. For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.