Coast Guard rescues 21 after charter boat emits smoke near Maui
A Coast Guard crew rescued 21 people from a disabled charter boat near Maui on Thursday. The vessel, named the Maui Diamond, began emitting smoke from its engine room while offshore near Maalaea Harbor. All passengers and crew were safely brought ashore with no reported injuries. The incident began when a Coast Guard team overheard a distress call on VHF-FM channel 16. They immediately changed course to assist the Maui Diamond, which had 20 adults and one child on board.
Upon arrival, the crew moved all passengers onto their own vessel. Meanwhile, the *Maui Diamond*’s team investigated the source of the smoke. They confirmed no fire was present and managed to dock at Maalaea Harbor using the boat’s port engine. The Coast Guard then transported the passengers back to the harbour. Cmdr. Andrew Williams, the search and rescue coordinator for Sector Honolulu, later highlighted the importance of functional marine radios in emergencies. He also urged boaters to remain alert to potential hazards in the area.
The Maui Diamond safely returned to port under its own power after the smoke issue was resolved. All 21 passengers were accounted for and unharmed. Authorities reiterated the need for proper safety equipment and vigilance while at sea.
