42-Foot Catamaran Taking On Water Near Māla Wharf; Occupant Rescued

A 42-foot catamaran began taking on water near Māla Wharf on January 16, leaving the vessel partially afloat about 300 yards off the wharf later that day. The single occupant, a 67-year-old man, was assisted to shore by another boat and did not require medical attention.

Fire and Ocean Safety personnel boarded the scene to confirm no one remained aboard and to assess immediate hazards. Responsibility for the vessel and any subsequent investigation was turned over to Maui Police, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard. Responders left the catamaran partially afloat while agencies evaluated next steps for salvage and environmental protection.

For local skippers and owners of multihulls, the incident underscores two practical concerns: crew safety and environmental risk. A calm rescue by a nearby vessel prevented injury in this case, but a compromised catamaran can become a navigational hazard and a source of fuel or debris if it sinks or drifts into reefs. The presence of emergency responders and the transfer of jurisdiction to state and federal agencies signal that authorities take those risks seriously.

Technical failures that commonly lead to flooding on cruisers include failed bilge pumps, deteriorated hoses and seacocks, hull punctures from debris, and poorly secured hatches. Catamaran owners should verify bilge pump operation, test automatic float switches, inspect through-hull fittings, and confirm that seacocks are functional and accessible. Regular drain and scupper maintenance, as well as having manual pumps and dewatering plans aboard, reduce the chance that a minor leak becomes an emergency.

The community value of quick, competent bystander action is plain here. Another vessel’s timely assistance got the occupant to safety before professional rescuers arrived. That kind of seamanship - situational awareness, readiness to render aid, and clear communication - makes Lahaina harbors and nearby anchorages safer for everyone.

Agencies now face the task of securing the catamaran, determining the cause of the flooding, and mitigating any environmental impact. Owners and operators mooring or cruising in the area should heed any advisories from Maui Police, DLNR, and the U.S. Coast Guard and avoid the immediate area until salvage or recovery is complete.

This event is a reminder to treat maintenance as prevention: keep bilges clean, pumps tested, and emergency gear accessible. For the local fleet, staying ahead of small failures keeps boats afloat and the shorelines clean.