Abandoned boat from California drifts onto Oahu beach
NIKKI SCHENFELD / KHON-TV VIA AP
A boat that washed ashore on Oahu sits on a beach in Punaluu, Hawaii on Monday, July 24. The boat that washed ashore in Hawaii last week has been identified as belonging to a California mariner who ran into trouble while sailing from San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico, seven months ago.
A boat that washed ashore in Punaluu last week has been identified as belonging to a California mariner who ran into trouble while sailing from San Diego to Guadalupe, Mexico, seven months ago.
After drifting thousands of miles, the boat found its way Friday to Oahu’s windward coast, where it has been lying on its side on white sand and rocks.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the owner of the boat sent a distress call on Dec. 12, KHON-TV reported. He was rescued and his boat was left behind.
The 24-foot boat, which has a California sticker, has been stripped of its anchor, engine and much of its insides.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said the boat isn’t leaking any fuel or oil. The agency contacted the boat’s owner, who told the state he has no way to remove the vessel.
The Coast Guard said its priority during a rescue is human life, and it’s protocol to leave vessels behind. Owners, however, are liable for the boats.
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The state said it has found a bidder who will remove the boat from the beach. Once it’s removed, the state will send the bill to the boat’s owner.
Terry Galpin, who lives in the area, said she is concerned about safety hazards. “If it was further out, I think it would still be an environmental issue. But this is a calling card for kids to play on,” she said.
