Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Harriet-O

In a recent evaluation following the grounding of the yacht 'Nakoa', a detailed assessment conducted by divers from the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) has uncovered significant damage to coral and reef live rock, affecting an area of at least 19,434 square feet. The initial assessment took place just a day after the incident, which occurred just outside the Honolua-Mokulē’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District on Maui’s northwestern coast. The DAR's four-person team aimed to investigate two critical aspects of the incident: the immediate impact of the grounding and the subsequent scars left as the salvage vessel 'Mary Catherine' pulled the 'Nakoa' back into deeper waters. The preliminary findings revealed that upon grounding, nineteen coral colonies suffered damage or destruction, and the 'Nakoa' remained lodged for nearly two weeks in shallow waters amidst a rocky shoreline characterized by significant wave activity. Visible scars from the grounding extended 246 feet into the ocean, with the first 49 feet displaying two deep trench-like marks about 16 feet apart. A total of 101 coral colonies were impacted, and damage extended to live rock across nearly 2,099 square feet. Notably, the DLNR has stated that the salvage company and the vessel 'Mary Catherine', which facilitated the removal of the yacht from the reef, will not be held liable for the environmental damage. Instead, the owner of the 'Nakoa' will bear the responsibility for the costs associated with the salvage operation as well as any damages to the coral and live rock. In response to the assessment, the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute has mobilized a team to collect over 100 coral fragments that were damaged and plans to recover additional fragments shortly. The institute is working under a DLNR-issued Special Activity Permit, designed to allow for rapid collaboration with DAR staff in response to coral damage incidents. The marine institute has identified several colonies of dislodged coral that will be reattached as soon as conditions permit. Fragments gathered will be nurtured in the lab for future coral restoration efforts. A comprehensive final report detailing the extent of live rock and coral damage, along with recommended fines and penalties from the DAR, will be presented to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to environmental conservation in the wake of this unfortunate incident.

State officials have confirmed that there are currently no plans to retrieve the luxury yacht 'Nakoa,' which sank on March 5, three miles off the coast of West Maui while being towed by the vessel 'Mary Catherine.' According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the process of raising the 120-ton yacht would be prohibitively expensive and complex. They estimate that the cost of such a removal would far exceed current resources, especially after the state has already incurred approximately $460,000 for initial salvage operations. Officials believe that the environmental impact from the sunken vessel, which has been drained of fuel, should be minimal. The state is committed to recovering all incurred costs from the yacht's owner moving forward. For more details, you can view the full report with accompanying photos at www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2023/03/sunken-yacht-to-be-left-on-seafloor-for-now/

In a dramatic turn of events, the luxury yacht 'Nakoa' was successfully released from the rocky shores of Honolua Bay by the tugboat 'Mary Catherine' on March 5, 2023. The vessel had been stranded for nearly two weeks, suffering from water ingress and listing precariously to starboard, which left its bow elevated high above the water. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the salvage ship 'Kahi', kicked off with salvage teams working tirelessly throughout March 4, rigging lines and preparing for the third substantial attempt to salvage the yacht. Before the tug's involvement, the crew sought to address earlier complications by using a carbon cutter to free either the yacht's propeller or rudder, which were thought to be impediments in previous recovery efforts. Fortunately, ideal weather and ocean conditions contributed to the success of the operation. After successfully reorienting the yacht 90 degrees, the tugboat was able to navigate 'Nakoa' into deeper waters. Unfortunately, just after being freed, the yacht was scuttled in waters reaching depths of 800 feet. This incident raises ongoing concerns about environmental impacts following the yacht's lengthy grounding and its subsequent sinking. For more information and video coverage of this complex operation, visit the links provided: [Maui Now](https://mauinow.com/2023/03/05/third-attempt-to-free-grounded-yacht-at-honolua-bay-planned/), [Beach Grit](https://beachgrit.com/2023/03/super-yacht-that-ran-aground-on-reef-at-the-ultimate-wave-the-best-wave-in-the-world-finally-freed-after-leaking-diesel-into-pristine-waters-for-two-weeks-every-time-haole/), [Big Island Now](https://bigislandnow.com/2023/03/05/luxury-yacht-finally-freed-from-maui-near-shore-reef-only-to-sink-in-800-feet-of-water/).