A 29' passenger vessel caught fire near Ala Wai Harbor in Honolulu Wednesday morning, prompting an emergency response from local authorities and nearby boaters.
The uninspected passenger vessel Kamakahonu experienced an engine fire around 7 a.m. just east of the harbor entrance channel. Six people were aboard at the time.
After receiving the distress call, the crew of a nearby vessel, Makai, helped evacuate all six individuals from the burning boat. The Kamakahonu, which is used for dive and snorkel tours, had dropped anchor while awaiting assistance.
At 7:30 a.m., a 45' Coast Guard response boat arrived and began firefighting efforts using fire extinguishers and a P-6 dewatering pump. A Honolulu Fire Department rescue boat later arrived, boarded the vessel, and used the Coast Guard’s equipment to extinguish the fire in the engine compartment.
Following the incident, the Makai crew towed the damaged vessel into Ala Wai Harbor, escorted by the fire department. No injuries were reported.
“This case highlights the value of strong teamwork with partners like the Honolulu Fire Department,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Chandler, coxswain of the Station Honolulu boat crew. “The swift actions of the fire rescue boat crew and the good Samaritans were key to quickly extinguishing the fire and keeping everyone safe.”
