A man tried to sail from California to Mexico. He was rescued, but abandoned boat drifted to Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) — A boat that washed ashore in Hawaii last week has been identified as belonging to a California mariner who ran into trouble while sailing from San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico, seven months ago.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the owner of the boat sent a distress call on Dec. 12, 2022, KHON-TV reported. He was rescued and his boat was left behind.

After drifting thousands of miles, the boat found its way Friday to Punaluu on Oahu’s windward coast, where it’s been laying on its side on white sand and rocks.

Other news Attorney for ex-student charged in California stabbing deaths says he’s not mentally fit for trial An attorney for a former Northern California university student charged with murder in the stabbing deaths of two people and attempted murder of a third says his client has not showered in the nearly three months he’s been in jail. Mega Millions jackpot is the 8th largest in the US at $820 million Lottery players now have a shot at a Mega Millions jackpot worth an estimated $820 million, days after someone hit a Powerball prize that topped $1 billion. California aims to tap beavers, once viewed as a nuisance, to help with water issues and wildfires They can create lush habitats that lure species back into urban areas, enhance groundwater supplies and buffer against wildfires. Santa Barbara’s paper, one of California’s oldest, stops publishing after owner declares bankruptcy The Pulitzer Prize-winning Santa Barbara News-Press, one of California’s oldest newspapers, has ceased publishing after its owner declared the 150-year-old publication bankrupt.

The 24-foot boat, which has a California sticker, has been stripped of its anchor, engine and much of its insides.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said the boat isn’t leaking any fuel or oil. The agency contacted the boat’s owner, who told the state he has no way to remove the vessel.

The Coast Guard said their priority during a rescue is human life and it’s protocol to leave vessels behind. Owners, however, are liable for the boats.

The state said it’s found a bidder who will remove the boat from the beach. Once it’s removed, the state will send the bill to the boat’s owner.

Terry Galpin, who lives nearby on the east shore of Oahu said she’s concerned about safety hazards.

“If it was further out I think it would still be an environmental issue, but this is a calling card for kids to play on,” she said.