NAWILIWILI — The “Tango 2,” a 26-foot fiberglass-hulled sailboat, is in the process of being removed from the rocks and sand fronting the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club at Kalapaki Beach. On Wednesday, the caretaker of the boat and
NAWILIWILI — The “Tango 2,” a 26-foot fiberglass-hulled sailboat, is in the process of being removed from the rocks and sand fronting the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort and Beach Club at Kalapaki Beach.
On Wednesday, the caretaker of the boat and a salvage crew were at the scene of the grounded vessel, working on the removal process, states a release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Following the grounding, the boat’s owner was notified and a caretaker responded to remove all fuel and petroleum products from the boat to prevent the release of hazardous materials into the ocean.
The sailboard was on a temporary mooring permit at Nawiliwili issued by the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, Kaua‘i District Office. Due to high winds and rain Sunday night or Monday morning, the mooring was loosened and caused the vessel to run aground unattended, DLNR officials said.
Currently, the boat is resting on shore on sand and rocks, but not in any danger of breaking up. It also sustained a crack on its hull near the bow.
The removal process involves removing the mast, pulling the vessel off the beach and attaching float bags as a precaution to prevent it from sinking.
DLNR officials said the vessel is only equipped with a battery, which would not be able to work long or hard enough to remove enough water to keep the vessel afloat while in transit.
Once refloated, the boat will be taken to the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor loading dock for removal and probably disposal.
This process is expected to take two days, and the public is advised to remain clear of the work area for their own safety and allow salvage crews to work on the removal.
Officials are expecting tide conditions to assist in the salvage effort.
