50 Foot Fishing Vessel Runs Aground Off Koki Beach

By Maui Now Staff

A 50-foot fishing vessel ran aground at Koki Beach in East Maui after taking on water about 20 yards off-shore on Friday night, fire officials said.  The two Makawao men aboard, ages 25 and 28, swam to shore and were uninjured in the incident, said Maui Fire Captain Edward Taomoto.

A fire crew from the Hāna station was dispatched to the scene at around 8:12 p.m., and arrived to find the vessel, named Mokulele, rocking back and forth in shallow water.

Fire officials say the two men spent the day fishing and were on their way back to Māʻalaea in South Maui when the vessel ran aground.

According to Capt. Taomoto, the the vessel still had 100 gallons of diesel on board.

“It’s uncertain if there was a breach in the hull; however, fire crews could smell a strong odor of diesel fuel in the air,” said Capt. Taomoto.

The Coast Guard was notified of the incident and was discussing environmental concerns and removal with the owner at last report.

“Mokulele” vessel aground at Koki Beach in East Maui. Photo courtesy MFD, April 10, 2015.

“Mokulele” vessel aground at Koki Beach in East Maui. Photo courtesy MFD, April 10, 2015.

“Mokulele” vessel aground at Koki Beach in East Maui. Photo courtesy MFD, April 10, 2015.

“Mokulele” vessel aground at Koki Beach in East Maui. Photo courtesy MFD, April 10, 2015.