Three Maui Mariners Rescued from Boat in Distress

Fire crews rescued three Maui men aboard a disabled vessel in waters off Maliko Bay this morning.

The mariners, all described as in their 60s, were spearfishing in the area when they ran into engine trouble, according to Maui Fire Services Chief Rylan Yatsushiro.

Another boat with them attempted to tow the disabled vessel back but was making little progress, according to department reports.

The incident was reported at around 6:15 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019.

The search was initiated by fire crews aboard Engine 2 who spotted the vessel about a half-mile offshore of the Paʻūwela Lighthouse. The vessel was in tow by another small boat, but was making little progress.

The department launched a rescue boat from Kahului Harbor, which made contact with those aboard the vessel, and safely towed the boat back to the Kahului Harbor Boat Ramp.

Responding Units included Engine 2 and Rescue 10. All were safely back on shore by around 9:30 a.m.