The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(HONOLULU) — The Coast Guard is investigating the grounding of a passenger vessel in the vicinity of Lahaina Harbor, Maui at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday.
Watchstanders at Sector Honolulu were notified at approximately 7:30 p.m. that the crew of the Spirit of Lahaina, a 65-foot catamaran carrying 60 passengers, was navigating the vessel out from its harbor for a dinner cruise when it ran aground at approximately 5:30 p.m.
No injuries were reported and a Good Samaritan vessel evacuated all passengers. No pollution was observed as a result of the grounding.
Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Maui responded aboard a 45-foot Response Boat Medium and arrived on scene to monitor the situation.
A Coast Guard investigator from Marine Safety Team Maui is on scene.
The cause of the grounding is under investigation.
For more information on this news release contact the 14th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at 808-535-3230.
