Maui boat that ran aground and burned catches fire again
Maui firefighters put out a fire on a boat that was being salvaged after it ran aground and caught fire earlier this month.
Callers initially reported a strong smell of diesel coming from offshore about 3:30 p.m. Monday in Wahikuli in West Maui, said Maui County spokesman Lee Mainaga.
Firefighters found the Pacific Maid on fire with flames coming from the main hold and spreading to debris on deck that was slated to be removed. Firefighters extinguished the blaze at 5:13 p.m.
Mainaga said the fire started as salvage crews were using torches to cut metal, igniting the insulation in the main hold.
The Pacific Maid, a 60-foot trawler, broke off its mooring and drifted onto the rocks on Feb. 7. A fire that broke out on the boat that day was contained to the engine compartment.
A few days later, all fuel, batteries and hazardous materials were removed from the boat, Mainaga said.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!