Boat Captain Speared by Swordfish Dies of Injuries at Honokōhau

By Maui Now Staff

A Kona fishing charter boat captain died today after being fatally injured by a broadbill swordfish he had just speared at Honokōhau Small Boat Harbor on Hawaiʻi Island.

The incident was reported just before 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015 when a bystander reportedly spotted a swordfish swimming in the back area of the harbor near the DLNR Boating and Ocean Recreation Harbors Division.

DOBOR staff and witnesses say the captain jumped into the water and speared the fish. The fish then reportedly struck the man in the chest with its sharp bill. Authorities say the man was pulled from the harbor by onlookers.

According to department reports, the man was unresponsive, and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was administered until personnel from the Hawaiʻi Fire Department arrived on scene.

The man was transported by ambulance to the Kona Community Hospital. Hawaiʻi Police Department officers responded and took statements from witnesses. DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources officers are also investigating.

DLNR representatives say the fish measured about 3-feet long, with a bill length of about 3-feet, and weighed about 40 pounds.