Coast Guard and Boaters Save 10 After Maui Collision

A collision between a 50-foot sailboat and an outrigger canoe could have ended in tragedy off the coast of Maui Thursday morning. Instead, nearby boaters and the Coast Guard worked together to pull all 10 people to safety within minutes.

The incident happened around 8:05 a.m. in Maalaea Bay when the sailing vessel Winona struck an outrigger canoe carrying 10 adults. Three people ended up in the water immediately after impact.

The crew of a nearby 65-foot catamaran called Trilogy IV didn't hesitate. They quickly rescued the three people from the water and brought the remaining seven canoe passengers aboard their vessel. Everyone was accounted for before the Coast Guard even arrived.

Coast Guard Station Maui launched a 45-foot response boat that reached the scene just eight minutes after the initial distress call. The crew transferred seven people onto their vessel, including one woman with a minor injury. Three others remained safely aboard the Trilogy IV.

The Coast Guard helped dewater the damaged sailboat and escorted it back to Maalaea Harbor, where emergency medical services waited onshore. Another vessel, Trilogy II, managed to refloat the outrigger canoe and tow it back to the Maui Canoe Club at Sugar Beach.

Why This Inspires

This rescue shows what's possible when communities look out for each other. The Trilogy crews were already on the water and ready to help when disaster struck. Their quick action meant no one spent more than a few minutes in danger.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Gaberiel Cortes from Sector Honolulu highlighted how the boating community in Hawaii functions like an extended ohana (family). When someone needs help, others respond without question.

The rescue also demonstrates why simple safety equipment matters. The Winona crew had a VHF radio aboard and knew how to use it. That emergency radio call on channel 16 allowed the Coast Guard and other agencies to coordinate an immediate response.

Maui Fire Department Engine 6 and Maui Ocean Safety also arrived on scene to assist. Multiple agencies working together meant everyone got the help they needed right away.

In waters where things can go wrong fast, having neighbors who watch out for each other makes all the difference.