State officials on Wednesday began dismantling a sailboat that ran aground off the Old Kona Airport Park in Kailua-Kona. ADVERTISING State officials on Wednesday began dismantling a sailboat that ran aground off the Old Kona Airport Park in Kailua-Kona. The
State officials on Wednesday began dismantling a sailboat that ran aground off the Old Kona Airport Park in Kailua-Kona.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is working with Cates Marine Service to remove the intact grounded vessel “Seaquel” and dismantle it on land, a DLNR spokeswoman said. As of Wednesday afternoon, crews had removed a photovoltaic panel and other electrical equipment from the boat.
Full removal of the vessel should get underway Thursday morning, surf conditions allowing. An archaeological monitor will be on-site while mobilization and work is being performed.
The boat’s owners did not have insurance, DLNR said, so the state stepped in to perform the emergency salvage.
U.S. Coast Guard officials said the “Seaquel,” which lists Ventura, Calif., on its side, came from Mexico and made its first port of call at Hilo. The sailboat ran aground on the reef off the Old Kona Airport Park late Sunday night.
Responding to the 11:55 p.m. report, Hawaii Fire Department rescue personnel arrived at the scene to find the “Seaquel” taking on water approximately 100 to 200 feet offshore fronting the southern-most pavilion at the park.
While rescue crews were responding, a man and woman aboard the vessel entered the water to attempt to swim to shore. They both made it to shore safely and reported no injuries to awaiting medics, according to police.
DLNR said the vessel had approximately 5 gallons of fuel on board when it ran aground. A U.S. Coast Guard spokeswoman said the vessel’s hull remained intact and no fluids had leaked.
