Passenger Vessel Grounds off Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard and good Samaritans assisted the crew of the 63-foot catamaran Kaulana after it reportedly struck a rock off Manele Bay, Hawaii, Saturday morning.

A Station Maui 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew arrived on scene and assisted with damage control. The crew of the vessel Maui Princess transferred the 15 passengers from the Kaulana and towed the stricken vessel to Lahaina. The RB-M crew remained with both vessels until they enter the harbor channel. There are no reports of injuries.

“We are thankful for the quick response from the crews of the Maui Princess and Quicksilver,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Alvin Seguin, a Sector Honolulu watchstander. “All mariners share a common bond, and when something like this happens, it is through teamwork we reach the best possible outcome.”

At 9:02 a.m., Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from the master of the Kaulana stating they struck a rock off Manele Bay while transiting from Lanai to Maui. The master said there was a hole in the hull and the bilge pumps were maintaining the water level inside the vessel. The ship's rudder was also damaged preventing them from traveling in a straight line. He reported 15 passengers aboard including three children.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders ensured everyone aboard was wearing lifejackets, issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notification and diverted the RB-M crew from their nearby patrol. The crew of the vessel Quicksilver was in the area and also diverted to support the Kaulana. The Maui Princess launched from Lahaina to assist.

Upon arriving, the RB-M crew transferred a responder to the Kaulana who assisted in patching the hole in the vessel’s hull and dewatering. Once on-scene, the Maui Princess crew transferred the passengers and began towing the vessel back to port.

The weather at the time of the incident was winds of 17 mph and seas up to 3 feet.