Two boaters stranded on a small island off the Mokapu Penninsula are safe and dry this morning after their rescue overnight.

The men in their late 30s had been skindiving and attempted to return home in a 17-foot boat that experienced enginge trouble last night. They anchored about 400 feet offshore of Moku Manu, a small island about 1,000 feet off the Mokapu Penninsula, and set off a flare, said Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry Seelig.

Seas were moderately rough with four foot swells and winds blowing 10 to 15 mph, Seelig said. When no one saw their first flare, the men decided to swim to Moku Manu island and were able to get to a sheltered ledge, where they fired off more flares and finally attracted attention.

The Honolulu Fire Department helicopter, assisted by the Federal Fire Department, Marine Base Hawaii Waterfront Operations, and the U.S. Coast Guard located the men and airlifted them to safety.

The mission began shortly before 8 p.m. and ended by 11 p.m.  The men were examined by paramedics and were found to be OK, Seelig said.