Pacific Maid Catches Fire… Again

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeMmRaiBoIU /] By Maui Now Staff

For the second time this month, the Pacific Maid vessel caught fire in waters off of Wahikuli State Park in West Maui.

This time, the fire was ignited by torches, used by a salvage crew for cutting metal material.  Fire officials say the cutting operations ignited the insulation in the main hold.  The salvage fire also spread to debris that was on deck waiting to be removed.

Firefighters responded to an initial call of a strong diesel smell coming from off shore at around 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, February 21, 2012.

Responding Ladder and Tanker crews from Lahaina were advised that the Pacific Maid, the same vessel that ran aground and caught fire on February 7, 2012, was again on fire.

Crews brought today’s blaze under control by 4 p.m., and had it extinguished by 5:13 p.m.  No injuries were reported.

Grounded vessel, Lahaina, Maui (2/7/12). File photo by G. Bergson.

The fire earlier this month was contained to the engine compartment of the boat after it broke lose from its mooring and drifted into the rocks at Wahikuli State Park.  

All fuel, batteries, and hazardous materials were removed from the boat on February 9th and 10th prior to the commencement of salvage efforts on February 13, 2012.

***File video from initial fire on Feb.7, 2012 courtesy the County of Maui, and the Maui Fire Department.