Discovery Ashore
On the morning of August 9, the 75 foot long passenger ship Discovery (MMSI: 367379890) ran aground near the Kewalo Basin in Honolulu, Hawaii. The reason why the passenger ship went ashore is under investigation. Witnesses stated the Discovery had been struck by two large swells by the stern of the vessel causing the vessel to lose propulsion. The passenger ship nearly capsized in the surf before it grounded just off the seawall. There were no injuries to the 2 crew members on board at the time of the incident.
The United States Coast Guard launched its 45 foot response boat to the scene, but the Discovery could not be reached due to the extreme shallow water along with the waves reaching 10 to 12 feet breaking along the shoreline. Not until later that night were authorities able to reach the Discovery and begin salvage operations. The vessel’s 8 marine batteries along with 2,275 gallons of diesel fuel and 36 gallons of hydraulic oil was removed. Initial attempts to pull the Discovery free using the tugboat Miki’oi failed. Reports state another attempt to refloat the vessel would be done when conditions were favorable.
Reports state the Discovery has sustained some damage to its hull and will require repairs before it could be put back into service. The incident is under investigation.
