USCG, local partners respond to sailing vessel aground off Magic Island

The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a report of a 32-foot sailing vessel grounded off Magic Island, Thursday. Pollution responders are on scene assessing the area. There is a maximum potential fuel load of 27 gallons of diesel aboard. A slight sheen was reported but is expected to dissipate naturally, the USCG said Thursday.

While the beach and waters remain open, responders are requesting people stay out of the water in the surrounding area for safety.

At 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from Honolulu Fire Department of the grounded vessel. The vessel owner was en route to Ala Wai Boat Harbor from Sand Island at the time of the incident. The owner was the only person aboard and swam safely to shore.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu launched to assist. A Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew is also conducting an aerial assessment.

The Coast Guard is working proactively with the owner, Ocean Safety, the State Department of Health Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER) Office, and The Department of Land and Natural Resources. The vessel owner will work with local salvors to salvage the vessel.

There are no reports of injuries. The weather at the time of the grounding was 3-foot seas and 15 mph winds.