Jordon Ornellas and Abraham Apilado show off the 230-pound ahi that capsized a 14-foot boat but didn't get away. (Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
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A Kauai man found himself in the ocean Friday when a 230-pound ahi he was trying to reel in capsized his boat.
Anthony Wichman, 54, of Koloa was aboard his 14-foot Livingston boat south of Port Allen when the boat turned over and his leg was caught in the fishing line.
Allen was dragged underwater but managed to free himself, get on top of the hull and use his cellphone to call his wife for help, the Coast Guard said. His wife called authorities, and the Coast Guard established communication with Wichman via cellphone to determine his location.
The Coast Guard said it received the distress call at 7:41 a.m.
A Coast Guard helicopter from Barbers Point was dispatched and found Wichman 10 miles southwest of Port Allen. A rescue swimmer was lowered and hoisted Wichman into the helicopter, and Wichman was taken to Lihue Airport and transported by emergency medical personnel to Wilcox Memorial Hospital.
Coast Guard spokeswoman Lt. Jessica Mickelson said Wichman had minimal injuries.
"This rescue is a perfect example of why mariners must be sure they have good safety equipment and reliable communications before heading out on the water," Mickelson said. "Thankfully, Mr. Wichman was still able to use his cellphone after capsizing and entering the water."
Sometime after the incident, two of Wichman’s friends arrived to try to salvage the capsized boat.
While assessing the situation, both realized the ahi was still hooked on the fishing line attached to the vessel, the Coast Guard said.
The pair reeled in the huge catch, righted the vessel and towed it back to Port Allen.