A 75-foot tour vessel named Discovery was pushed off its intended course by heavy surf as it tried to enter Honolulu’s Kewalo Basin, causing it to ground on a reef just outside the harbour.
Conditions that day were perilous, with unusually tall waves reaching 10 to 12 feet and a high surf advisory in effect. Discovery was operating with only two crew members aboard and no passengers when it attempted to thread the narrow channel into the harbor.
Witnesses described the moment as akin to a fishing boat crossing a bar: a wave lifted the vessel and thrust it forward, then the ship veered sharply to starboard and stalled broadside as the wave broke. Despite the risk, the vessel did not capsize due to its size and stability.
The Coast Guard Sector Honolulu was alerted that Discovery had run aground on the reef about 60 feet from the harbour entrance. The master reported a loss of propulsion during the grounding.
A response by the Coast Guard could not reach the site because of shallow water and rough seas, but jet ski crews from Honolulu Ocean Safety arrived soon after and confirmed that the master and the crew member aboard Discovery were uninjured.
A tow attempt by a tug from Cates Marine began at the scene but had to be halted when the vessel’s deck cleats failed. Discovery ultimately drifted to a nearby seawall near the harbor entrance, where salvage and cleanup operations were undertaken. Crews removed all accessible diesel, oil and batteries from the vessel, and no pollution was reported.
The Coast Guard is investigating the grounding’s cause, with state officials supervising the salvage process. Commander Daniel Brahan of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu emphasized that safely removing a large, grounded vessel requires careful coordination and planning, and urged beachgoers and boaters to keep a safe distance from Discovery as salvage work continues.
This incident underscores the challenging conditions present at busy harbour approaches and highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols during salvage operations. The vessel’s crew and the responding agencies appear to have kept everyone safe while mitigating environmental risk. A formal determination of the cause will come as the investigation progresses. If you’re visiting the area, stay clear of the salvage zone and follow any guidance from local authorities.
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