The 28-meter charter yacht Nakoa has spilled fuel around a protected bay on Maui, Hawaii. The incident, which was named by the owner a freak accident, resulting in the boat drifting ashore, happened on Monday, February 20. Eight passengers have been returned to shore by the Maui Fire Department.
On Tuesday, after the bilge pumps activated, the diesel released into the water. Honolua Bay is a popular diving destination and a part of a state-administered marine life conservation district. To minimize the risk of environmental harm Maui Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. has asked Hawaii Gov. Josh Green to expedite the response effort.
We understand everyone’s frustration with the grounding and harm to the reef at Honolua, a bay with abundant marine life that’s loved by many residents of Maui and visitors alike. Wednesday, the focus will be defueling the vessel, and then we can turn to efficient removal with the least additional damage possible, said Laura Kaakua, DLNR First Deputy.
The US Coast Guard used the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to hire a contractor for the oil spill response. Within a week, the pollution control team removed almost 500 gallons of gasoline and 14 marine batteries from the ship without further incident. Thanks to contractor Sea Engineering, fuel was pumped into 55-gallon drums aft. The US Coast Guard said the operation took three days.
Credits: thequalifiedcaptain/Instagram; Hawaii DLNR/Vimeo