Large passenger boat, resembling a yacht, gets stranded in turbulent waves near a Hawaiian beach shore.
The yacht-sized passenger boat Discovery, which is used for ferrying people to and from the Waikiki submarine dive site, ran aground near Honolulu's Kewalo Basin Harbor on Saturday morning, August 9, 2025.
The incident occurred during peak swells and low tide with high surf conditions, making it difficult for the boat to clear the waves. The boat's operator reported taking two large waves to the stern, which disrupted the vessel's course and caused it to lose propulsion. Consequently, the boat began to surf like a giant surfboard due to the surf's power, eventually drifting against a concrete wall that lines the shore and running aground.
Fortunately, the two crew members aboard the Discovery were not injured. The boat's fuel, oil, and batteries were promptly removed by authorities to prevent any potential environmental damage. Initial salvage efforts, including an attempt to pull the Discovery free using a tugboat, failed due to the shallow water and strong surf conditions.
Atlantis Adventures, which owns the Discovery, is working to have the boat safely removed from where it was grounded. The plan is to tow the boat away at high tide on Sunday afternoon once conditions improve. Once back at its pier location, the boat is scheduled for a thorough inspection and repairs before returning to service.
It's worth noting that the captains of the Discovery are trained and Coast Guard certified, and the boat is regularly inspected by the Coast Guard. The reason for the boat's trouble is currently under investigation, with no apparent mechanical failures reported prior to the event.
The Discovery, approximately 60 feet long, was pushed into water that was about two-feet deep or less by the powerful surf, making the rescue and removal of the boat a challenging task. The company has assured passengers that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of both the boat and its passengers.
- Toronto's general news outlets reported about the Saturday morning accident involving the yacht-sized passenger boat Discovery near Honolulu's Kewalo Basin Harbor.
- Despite the government's ongoing investigation, there were no apparent mechanical failures reported prior to the Discovery running aground.
- The weather conditions during the incident, including peak swells and low tide with high surf, were difficult for the Discovery's crew to navigate.
- In sports circles, the Discovery's surf-like movements and struggle against the powerful surf were compared to an epic battle, capturing the attention of many.
