Coast Guard Fireman George Akiyama says the helicopter left the cutter Bertholf, about 90 miles away from the yacht, a little before 5 p.m. Sunday.
Once the helicopter arrives at the yacht, the chopper crew will determine if it can lower a rescue swimmer onto the vessel or into the water nearby.
Rough seas and strong winds throughout the day have prevented the Coast Guard from trying to rescue the injured sailors.
Akiyama did not know the weather or sea conditions at the time the helicopter left the cutter.
