Boat In Distress Off West Maui, 10 Rescued

Photo Credit: Maui Fire Department

Maui firefighters responded to reports of a boat in distress in waters between West Maui and Molokai on Friday.

The incident was reported at 7:16 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019.

Fire officials say the boat was approximately 25 minutes out from Mala Boat Ramp and was headed toward Molokai.

Engine 3 responded by land towards the Kaanapali area, and Ladder 3 aboard Rescue Boat 3 launched from Mala in response. The US Coast Guard was also dispatched.

The Maui Fire Department’s Rescue Boat 3 was able to make contact with the vessel approximately a mile outside of Kaanapali.

Fire personnel confirmed the vessel was taking on water and had 10 people on board. The vessel was still making progress and heading back towards Mala Boat Ramp.

The Coast Guard transferred some of the passengers to their boat, and the vessel was escorted back to Mala Boat Ramp safely under its own power.

Once the vessel was safely tied off to the dock, Fire and Coast Guard personnel assisted with extracting water.

The individuals on board are believed to be Molokai residents.

It is not yet known what caused the vessel to take on water. There are no injuries to report, and the vessel was later loaded on to a trailer at Mala Boat Ramp.