Manta ray dive boat runs aground, injuring 6
A manta ray dive boat ran aground Thursday night approximately 100 yards south of the Honokohau Harbor entrance, sending five people to the hospital.
Shortly after 10 p.m., the Hawaii Fire Department and Coast Guard responded to the call of the 35-foot fiberglass boat Honokohau Loa which sustained substantial front hull damage. The boat had six people on board including the captain.
Five of the people were extricated and taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment.
Although the boat sustained damage, it was able to refloat and was escorted to the harbor, where it was taken out of the water.
The Coast Guard is investigating the incident and the captain’s alcohol and drug test results are pending.
