KAPA‘A — A boat captain is blaming a rogue wave for capsizing his charter boat and sending six passengers and himself into the water near the channel at Kapa‘a Beach Park in Kapa‘a. According to Kaua‘i Fire Department, all seven
KAPA‘A — A boat captain is blaming a rogue wave for capsizing his charter boat and sending six passengers and himself into the water near the channel at Kapa‘a Beach Park in Kapa‘a.
According to Kaua‘i Fire Department, all seven people were rescued from the overturned charter boat after it took on water. Dispatch received the distress call around 10:34 a.m. Two KFD Engines and two other vehicles responded by 10:42 a.m., along with Kaua‘i Police Department and ocean safety officials. At least four U.S. Coast Guard personnel were at the scene as well.
Lifeguards on jet skis were able to bring all seven passengers — four tourists and three crew members — safely to shore by 11:22 a.m.
KFD reported that medics treated and released all passengers at the scene.
According to the boat’s pilot, Rick Bucci, of Kapa‘a, the 28-foot, 2001 Force boat owned by Blue Moon Fishing Kaua‘i was outside of the channel in four- to five-foot waves when it was struck by a larger rogue wave.
“Everyone is safe,” said Bucci.
They were about 400 feet off the channel when Bucci said he was having no difficulty handling the four- to five-foot swells that are typical for the area. The big wave came out of nowhere, he added, and he thanked God that everyone made it back to shore okay.
Bucci stayed on hand to wait for salvage boats. He wanted to wait until the wind died down before attempting to retrieve the vessel.
By 2 p.m., there was a diver collecting gear from the boat. It has twin diesel engines and custom-made equipment, according to the business’ website.
