Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More

Continue in Browser

Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.

Please enter a valid zipcode.

close

Extensive coral damage from luxury yacht that ran aground off Maui

KAPALUA, Hawaii — The Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources sent divers to the site where a luxury yacht ran aground off Maui and found damage to nearly 20,000 square feet of coral and live rock.

What You Need To Know

A team with the division of aquatic resources assessed damage from when the yacht ran aground and when it was dragged off the flat reef into deeper water during the intitial grounding, 19 coral colonies were damaged when the boat was dragged off the reef, two parallel scars damaged 101 coral colonies dlnr said the yacht’s owner is responsible for costs related to salvaging the yacht and damaging coral.

The yacht, Nakoa, ran aground just outside the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District two weeks ago and was finally freed on Sunday after three attempts. It then sank in 800 feet of water, where it will remain. 

The four-person DAR team assessed both initial damage from when the vessel was grounded and scars from when the boat was dragged off the flat reef surface into deeper water. 

The assessment revealed that, during the initial grounding, 19 coral colonies were damaged. 

From when the boat was dragged off the reef, there are two parallel scars that extend 246 feet into the water. The first 49 feet comprises deep, trench-like scars, which are about 16 feet apart. In this area, the DAR team found 101 damaged coral colonies, and damage to live rock covering nearly 2,099 square feet. 

(Photo courtesy of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources)

After DAR completed the assessment, a team with the Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute collected more than 100 fragments from damaged coral. The team plans to recover more fragments soon. The Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute will grow out the coral fragments at its lab for future coral restoration projects. 

The Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute team also identified colonies of dislodged corals that will be reattached when the weather improves. 

DLNR said the yacht’s owner is responsible for costs related to salvaging the yacht and damaging coral and live rock. The salvage company and tug company will not be held responsible for any damage. 

A final version of the assessment will be presented to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. DAR will also recommend fines and penalties for the damage. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke  covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at  [email protected] .

LATEST NEWS

  • Community News
  • On The Campaign Trail
  • Hawaii News
  • National News
  • International News
  • Local Sports
  • Sports Spotlight
  • Hawaii Sports
  • National Sports
  • As Maui Dines
  • Bald-Headed Truth
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Spice of Life
  • Latest Movies
  • Island Events
  • Scenemakers
  • Side Orders
  • Classifieds
  • Print Ad Directory
  • Browse notices
  • Place a notice
  • Terms of Service
  • Submit News

homepage logo

  • Today's Paper

State will bill owner $460K for cost of salvaging yacht from Honolua Bay

Work to remove fuel, batteries of grounded vessel continues.

yacht crash in maui

A helicopter can be seen on the cliffside above Honolua Bay where a luxury yacht remains grounded on Friday. State and federal officials have been working to remove fuel, batteries and other materials from the yacht before moving it from the bay. — The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

The state has selected a contractor to remove the 94-foot-long yacht that remains grounded at Honolua Bay and will bill the owner for the $460,000 salvage cost.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources said Friday that the owner of the Nakoa yacht is unable to contract and pay for the removal of the vessel, which broke off its mooring and got stuck on the rocks and reef just outside the bay on Monday.

DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation requested bids from experienced large vessel salvage companies and selected the contractor on Friday afternoon. Visionary Marine of Honolulu will begin salvage operations once the U.S. Coast Guard releases the boat to DLNR.

The state will bill the yacht’s owner for reimbursement of the $460,000 salvage cost and for additional staff and administrative costs. It said it will take legal action if necessary.

Before the boat can be removed from the bay, fuel, batteries and other potentially dangerous materials must be taken from the yacht first. DLNR said Friday evening that the work will continue through Saturday.

yacht crash in maui

The luxury yacht Nakoa remains on the rocks at Honolua Bay Friday afternoon. — The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

The dirt road near Lipoa Point will remain closed Saturday for helicopter operations and is expected to reopen as soon as the defueling process is complete.

As soon as the process of removing the materials is complete, the Coast Guard will turn over control of the vessel to DLNR.

The department has been investigating what caused the yacht’s grounding and will also do another assessment of coral damage along the reef once the boat is removed. Once DLNR’s investigation is complete, it may impose fines for any violations and also plans to work with the community to restore the coral and bay and deter any recurrence, DLNR said.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

  • Daily Newsletter
  • Breaking News

yacht crash in maui

Wanda Sykes to perform at Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Friday, April 5

Colorado nonprofit providing $105k grant to sacred hearts in lahaina.

The Maui News ACE Scholarships, a Colorado nonprofit that works to expand access to K-12 education opportunities, ...

yacht crash in maui

Two-time world champ Richman to the rescue

Local religion/in brief.

Easter service at Keawala‘i Church The Annual Sunday Morning Easter Sunrise Service at historic Keawala‘i ...

Adopt a forever pet for free in March

Through the month of March, cats and dogs six months and older can be adopted for free, with dog adoption fees ...

Garden lover event this Saturday

The Hawai‘i Farm to School Hui and Grow Some Good announced they are hosting a special family friendly event at ...

Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe today.

  • Election 2024
  • Entertainment
  • Newsletters
  • Photography
  • Personal Finance
  • AP Buyline Personal Finance
  • Press Releases
  • Israel-Hamas War
  • Russia-Ukraine War
  • Global elections
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • March Madness
  • AP Top 25 Poll
  • Movie reviews
  • Book reviews
  • Personal finance
  • Financial Markets
  • Business Highlights
  • Financial wellness
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Social Media

Maui businessman sued for $2M after grounding luxury yacht

  • Copy Link copied

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — A business owner whose luxury yacht ran aground and leaked diesel fuel into waters off the Hawaiian island of Maui last month is being sued for more than $2 million in damages by a trust that sold him the vessel.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Honolulu on Monday seeks at least $1.45 million for the loss of the yacht, which was supposed to be paid off over the course of 15 years, The Maui News reported . It also seeks at least $500,000 for salvage work and at least $500,000 for environmental damages.

Kevin and Kimberly Albert, trustees of the Albert Revocable Trust in New Mexico, filed the lawsuit against Jim Jones, his company Noelani Yacht Charters and the ship captain. It says Jones and his company used the vessel “in a grossly negligent manner” for a personal trip without seeking the approval of the trust.

The 94-foot yacht Nakoa ran aground in Honolua Bay on Feb. 20 after its mooring line snapped. Private contractors towed the ship out to sea, where it sank in about 800 feet (244 meters) of water on March 5.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources plans to bill Jones for the $460,000 cost of salvaging the boat. It’s also considering fines after the episode damaged coral reef.

FILE - In this file photo provided by the U.S. Navy, Rear Adm. John Korka, Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), and Chief of Civil Engineers, leads Navy and civilian water quality recovery experts through the tunnels of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 23, 2021. The U.S. military said it's finished draining million of gallons of fuel from the tank complex in Hawaii that poisoned 6,000 people when it leaked jet fuel into Pearl Harbor's drinking water in 2021. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Luke McCall/U.S. Navy via AP, File)

The lawsuit says Jones notified the trust after the grounding that he had taken the yacht out for personal use.

It says Jones and Noelani Yacht Charters breached a purchase agreement holding the buyer responsible for any risk of loss or damage. The agreement also outlined operations, crew requirements and restricted uses.

A phone message left for Jones at Noelani Yacht Charters was not immediately returned. The company’s website says it’s no longer in business.

The company told The Maui News in February that “this was a family retreat with an unfortunate ending.”

yacht crash in maui

tgi-logo

120-ton yacht remains grounded on Maui

Share this story

yacht crash in maui

Courtesy of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources

The luxury yacht Nakoa sits on the reef on Maui on Sunday after it broke its moorings last week and drifted.

yacht crash in maui

The salvage ship, Kahi, back, was able to move the luxury yacht Nakoa, foreground, 10 to 20 feet further from shore on Sunday on Maui. The salvage teams returned on Monday to continue their efforts.

HONOLUA BAY, Maui — The state is still working to free a 120-ton super yacht from the corals and reefs of Honolua Bay in northwest Maui, more than a week after its owner accidentally landed the vessel on the shoreline.

On Feb. 20, Jim Jones, who owns Noelani Yacht Charters, grounded the Nakoa just beyond the boundary of the Honolua-Mokule‘ia Marine Life Conservation District in a blunder that has quickly made him infamous throughout the state.

In a Feb. 27 press release, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources stated that its hired contractor, Visionary Marine LLC, made more than a dozen attempts on Feb. 26 to pull the yacht off the shoreline using its salvage ship, the Kahi.

After rigging the Nakoa with various ropes and straps, the Kahi was only able to move the yacht about 10 to 20 feet before the “rigging lines on the Nakoa broke during the final pull.” At the time of the release on Feb. 27, the salvage crew had returned to continue their efforts, and was re-rigging the vessel with a stronger set of lines.

The DLNR also stated that a tractor tug, the Mary Catherine, operated by Sause Bros. Inc., was en route to Maui from Honolulu to provide additional assistance.

“Once on scene, it will join the Kahi in further attempts to pull the grounded yacht into deeper water,” the department said.

The DLNR estimated the yacht would need to be pulled another 20 to 30 feet before being freed.

The press release, which was issued close to 2 p.m., added that the salvage teams would wait until “higher tide conditions later today, before making additional attempts.”

The yacht has been de-fueled since Feb. 25, when all fuel and other hazardous materials were removed from the vessel. An unspecified amount of diesel fuel had leaked from the boat’s hull into the surrounding water, according to an earlier press release.

The DLNR said it had to take control of the yacht late last week, after Jones told the department he was unable to pay for the removal of his vessel.

“Since the yacht’s owner declined to pay for the $460,000 for retrieval of his boat, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation, by law, assumed control over the vessel, and will bill him.”

Jones also faces additional fines for “any violations of boating rules and regulations and for any potential damage to reef structures and live rock,” as well as additional staff and administration costs.

“All investigations are underway, and DLNR can’t comment further on pending charges or penalties.”

Jones had previously told The Garden Island that negative press was “blowing (him) away,” and that he was committed to resolving the issue and restoring the reef area.

“I live here. We’re local. It’s all about our land and our waters,” said Jones in a Feb. 22 phone interview.

“We definitely will be in contact with Maui specifically, all the environmental organizations, doing whatever we possibly can on our part to help them out,” he added.

Jones was unable to be reached for comment on reports that he was now unwilling to pay for the damage.

•••

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE . An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, send us an email .

  • 1 Lahaina Fire survivors moving daily from hotels
  • 2 A volunteer effort at Boys & Girls Club, West Kaua‘i
  • 3 Lane closures scheduled on Kaua‘i
  • 4 KPD and DEA to host Drug Take Back Day
  • 5 Waimea softball gets a “W”

Longs Drugs logo

  • Print Replica
  • Election 2024
  • Russia Attacks Ukraine
  • Red Hill Water Crisis
  • Crime in Hawaii
  • America in Turmoil
  • Traffic Map
  • Photo Galleries
  • Homeless in Hawaii
  • Volcanic Ash
  • Latest Sports News
  • TV & Radio
  • Sports Blogs
  • Hawaii Prep World
  • Hawaii Warrior World
  • Letters to the Editor
  • Submit a Letter to the Editor
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • State Legals
  • Political Cartoons
  • Classifieds
  • Star Channels
  • Hawaii Renovation
  • Email Newsletters
  • Corrections
  • Special Sections
  • Partner Content
  • Partner Videos
  • Web Push Notifications
  • Mobile Apps
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Activate Digital Account
  • Forgot Password
  • Customer Service

Honolulu Star-Advertiser logo

  • Sunday, March 31, 2024
  • Today's Paper

Partly cloudy

Hawaii News

Luxury yacht runs aground in honolua bay on maui.

VIDEO COURTESY DINO TASSARA/TASSARA MEDIA

A 97-foot yacht ran aground in Honolua Bay on Maui on Monday morning.

yacht crash in maui

COURTESY TAMARA PALTIN

A 97-foot yacht ran aground in Honolua Bay on Maui on Monday morning. Read more

Mahalo for reading the Honolulu Star-Advertiser!

You're reading a premium story. Read the full story with our Print & Digital Subscription.

Already a subscriber? Log in now to continue reading this story.

Print subscriber but without online access? Activate your Digital Account now.

A 94-foot Sunseeker luxury yacht ran aground in Honolua Bay on Maui Monday morning after its mooring line snapped, sparking outrage on social media over the boat’s potential damage to the marine environment.

Videos posted to social media showed the vessel, named the Nakoa, stuck on the rocks in front of where some surfers paddle out to the world-famous right-hand point break. It came to rest about 700 feet out­- side of the state Honolua-­Mokuleia Bay Marine Life Conservation District at the part of the reef surfers call the Point.

“Such a bummer,” big-wave surfer Kai Lenny commented on one Instagram post.

“They need to be held responsible for every inch of reef,” wrote another user. “I hope they receive millions in fines by the looks of the yacht that they have.”

The vessel is one of two luxury yachts owned by Noelani Yacht Charters. With a top speed of 32 knots, the Nakoa has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a full kitchen. Charter packages start at $9,801, according to the company’s website.

“While she’s well suited for day trips around any of Hawaii’s major islands, she’s more perfectly suited for unforgettable multi-day luxury experiences for guests who demand only the best,” the website states.

Reached by phone, Jim Jones, owner of Noelani Yacht Charters, said, “The boat’s in great shape,” although some “stabilizer fins” broke off. Asked whether fuel was leaking from it as some Instagram users noted, he said, “There’s no leak at all.”

Jones was on a family outing when the mooring line snapped around 5:30 a.m., and the boat drifted onto the reef around 6 a.m., he said. “The wind came up strong this morning,” he said. Jones hoped the rising tide would lift it off the reef by 4 p.m. Monday, he said.

By 4:25 p.m. the boat could not be removed, according to Department of Land and Natural Resources spokesperson Dan Dennison. The Coast Guard was still on the scene Monday afternoon, he said. There was no leak of fuel or hazardous materials, he said.

DLNR’s Division of Aquatic Resources received a report at 6:30 a.m. that the boat had run aground, Dennison said. It was unknown whether the anchor or keel had been dropped, he said.

Crews were scheduled to return at 3 a.m. Tuesday to try to remove the boat at the next highest tide around 5 a.m., Dennison said.

DLNR’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is checking the owner’s insurance, Dennison said. “If covered, recovery is the owner’s responsibility,” he said. “The full circumstances of this grounding are not known at this time, and the DLNR divisions will be following up appropriately,” he said.

Community members expressed their concern over the boat’s damage to the marine environment.

“The community is super concerned if another swell comes if the boat breaks apart in the lineup,” said Tamara Paltin, a Maui County Council member representing West Maui and volunteer president of the Save Honolua Coalition. “The Save Honolua Coalition has been trying for years to get the state to better manage the bay. The community is demanding full accountability from this company,” Paltin said.

When a crew tried to pull the boat off the reef at the 4 p.m. high tide Monday, “it wasn’t even budging,” Paltin said. “They might have one more chance tomorrow morning,” she said, when the tide is higher.

“What happened at Honolua Bay is an environmental disaster,” Tiare Lawrence, a board member of the community group Ka Malu o Kahalawai, wrote in a text. “In these situations, commercial and mooring permits should automatically be rescinded,” Lawrence wrote.

Day-use moorings have a limit of two hours, Dennison added. Buoys of this kind are intended to prevent boats from damaging the reef with their anchors, according to the Malama Kai Foundation.

Jones, who owns the Nakoa, says he spent the night in the boat moored to the day-use buoy. “We were unaware that that was not allowed,” Jones said.

“I get the locals are upset,” Jones said. “This is not intentional, and we apologize for being in this prime surf spot. We’re just trying to get off the rocks.”

Probe ongoing in 10 likely felony charges against officers

On the move: aclu of hawaii.

yacht crash in maui

Breaking News Alerts

Press "allow" to activate.

  • Hawaii News
  • Tourism News
  • Visitors’ Guide
  • Hawaiian Language
  • Guest Columns
  • Weather Forecast
  • Surf Report
  • Latest Videos
  • About Kauai Now
  • Get the App
  • Advertise with Us
  • About Our Ads

Privacy Policy | About Our Ads

Kauai Now

94-foot yacht freed from Maui rocky shoreline only to sink 800 feet deep

yacht crash in maui

Nearly two weeks after a 120-ton, 94-foot luxury yacht grounded in Honolua Bay on Maui, a salvage ship and a tugboat from Honolulu finally freed the vessel named Nakoa from the rocky shoreline.

But there is no happy ending for the yacht.

It is now at the bottom of the ocean, about 800 feet deep.

The multimillion-dollar yacht had suffered severe holes in the hull during the days it was grounded, with the rough surf pounding it repeatedly against the rocks of the shoreline.

“It had taken on water, was listing starboard and riding bow high after being pulled free by a tractor tug early this afternoon,” according to the state Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation.

The yacht sank.

yacht crash in maui

It was the end to an ordeal that began nearly two weeks ago when the yacht grounded just outside the Honolua-Mokulē‘ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District. Although the area has day-use moorings with a time limit of two hours, yacht owner Jim Jones told media that he didn’t know the rules  and stayed overnight with his family when one of the lines snapped and the boat hit the rocks.

It has been quite the ordeal to salvage the boat.

Once the boat stated leaking fuel, the U.S. Coast Guard federalized the vessel, meaning it has jurisdiction over the yacht which cannot be moved until all hazardous material was removed .

When that process was done the state Department of Land and Natural Resources took over because Jones said he did not have the money to pay for the salvage operation. The state organized and is paying for the operation, but will be sending Jones a bill, which initially was for $460,000 plus. But that will be sure to go up due to all the problems encountered during the salvage.

Once the hazardous material was removed, Visonary Marines’s salvage ship Kahi from Honolulu tried to removed the yacht from the reef but failed after multiple pulls. Sause Brothers’ tractor tug Mary Catherine was called in from Honolulu to help, but the second attempt with both boats also failed. Then bad weather forced both salvage boats to return to Honolulu.

They returned to Maui on Saturday.

A crew from the salvage ship rigged lines to the yacht Nakoa   all day Saturday and Sunday morning to prepare for the third attempt.

Prior to the 3,300-horsepower tug hooking up, the salvage crew used a carbon cutter to free either the yacht’s prop or rudder, believed to be the reason earlier attempts did not succeed, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

On Sunday, there were ideal weather and ocean conditions for the complex and costly operation. Once the tug turned the boat 90 degrees it pulled out into deeper water. 

“The yacht was listing to one side and riding bow high and it’s unknown at this time whether it was successfully pulled all the way to Honolulu or had to be scuttled in 1,000-foot-deep water offshore,” the Department and Land and Natural Resources said.

Department Chair Dawn Chang watched the salvage operation on Sunday with Maui Mayor Richard Bissen and Maui County Council member Tamara Paltin. Chang said she heard almost immediately from Randy Cates, the owner and operator of Visionary Marine. 

“I’m beyond words,” Chang said. “I extended our appreciation to him and his crew for doing a tough, thankless job when others in the industry were questioning the wisdom of taking it on. We all thought today was it. It was either going to happen or not. I’m extremely pleased.” 

Chang said the state will aggressively pursue recouping all salvage costs from the owner, which originally were set at $460,000 plus before delays and the need for a second boat were included in the cost.

It also does not include the cost to repair damage to coral reefs and live rock. A team from the state Division of Aquatic Resources will return to the grounding location this week to conduct a post-incident damage assessment. 

Sponsored Content

yacht crash in maui

Subscribe to our Newsletter

  • Kauai Weather
  • Kauai Tourism News
  • ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi / Hawaiian Language
  • Kauai Videos
  • Experience Kauai

yacht crash in maui

Facebook YouTube Twitter Instagram

  • Beachgrit TV
  • Pro Surfer Edits
  • Full-Length Features
  • Novelty Junk

Jamie O'Brien at Waimea River.

Maui residents furious as super yacht that ran aground at Honolua Bay threatening bathymetry of “the ultimate wave, the best wave in the world” now revealed to be leaking fuel, “Major state FAIL again!”

Derek Rielly

By Derek Rielly

"Haoles should be banned from water. Everytime they around it something goes wrong. They steal it, pollute it, poison it and even drown in it."

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Hawaii News Report (@hawaiinewsreport)

yacht crash in maui

Long read: Surf legends line up to praise reluctant surf guru Pat Curren, daddy to world champ Tom and inventor of the modern big-wave gun, “He was the King of Waimea. To this day, I’ve never seen anybody get bigger, cleaner waves or ride them so well!”

Andy St Onge

By Andy St Onge

“He was the best shaper. First guy to shape it, first guy to ride it. He was so respected, he had a cult following. He was a guru.” 

yacht crash in maui

Largely illiterate Southern California surfers flock to writer’s symposium as Pulitzer Prize winner Bill Finnegan set to speak on “the North Pole of irresponsibility!”

Chas Smith

By Chas Smith

Sit at the feet of the master.

Grave fears for iconic Hawaiian surf spot after super yacht runs aground on its pristine coral reef, “What happened at Honolua Bay is an environmental disaster!”

The Editors

By The Editors

"Thanks elites. Your dream life fucks up our only life. Send dis guy back. With massive fines that go back to restoring land and water in Hawai’i."

yacht crash in maui

Illicit lovers TJ Holmes and Amy Robach thumb cheating noses at World Surf League as they opt for PDA-filled Mexican beachfront bar session fueled by Pacifico!

Takes a cheater to know a cheater.

Eat beach grit spam!

  • Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Our Supporters

For Honolulu’s Trail Runners, ‘It’s The Exhaustion’ That Appeals

For Honolulu’s Trail Runners, ‘It’s The Exhaustion’ That Appeals

Photos: Hanging 18 With A Woofing Waverider On Oahu’s North Shore

Photos: Hanging 18 With A Woofing Waverider On Oahu’s North Shore

Ben Lowenthal: The Surprising Persistence Of Conservatism In True Blue Hawaii

Ben Lowenthal: The Surprising Persistence Of Conservatism In True Blue Hawaii

The Senate Just Killed Green’s Plan For A Climate Fee For Visitors

The Senate Just Killed Green’s Plan For A Climate Fee For Visitors

This State Agency Transformed Kakaako. Should It Do The Same For Lahaina?

This State Agency Transformed Kakaako. Should It Do The Same For Lahaina?

  • Special Projects
  • Mobile Menu

Investors Sue Maui Yacht Owner For More Than $2M After Honolua Bay Grounding

The lawsuit accuses Jim Jones of taking the Nakoa on a personal outing that violated the sales agreement.

The investors behind the 120-ton, 94-foot luxury yacht that ran aground in Honolua Bay are suing Noelani Yacht Charters, the company’s owner and the captain on the day of the wreck for more than $2 million. 

Maui County locator map

In a lawsuit filed Monday, attorneys for Kevin and Kimberly Albert of New Mexico, who provided the financing for the Nakoa, accused Jim Jones and his wife of taking the yacht on a personal trip to Honolua Bay without permission, which they said violated their sales agreement.

The lawsuit lays out the events that occurred in the days and hours before the Nakoa crashed into the reef at Honolua Bay, where it ended up spilling fuel in the waters leading to one of Maui’s most pristine marine sanctuaries . After two weeks stuck on the rocky shoreline, the yacht was hauled off on March 5 and sank in 800 feet on water while being towed toward Oahu.

Jones also used an “unapproved and unqualified captain” to operate the yacht, who prior to the holiday weekend outing, had only captained Jones’ Oahu-based 75-foot yacht, the Noelani, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit asks the court to award the Alberts damages including at least $1.45 million for the loss of the Nakoa, a minimum of $500,000 for the work to haul it off the reef, at least $500,000 to pay for environmental destruction, a lien on the Noelani, plus attorneys fees and other damages that arise.

A luxury yacht ran aground on Maui on Feb. 20. (Courtesy: DLNR/2023)

“(Noelani) Yacht Charters’ and Jones’s conduct with respect to the grounding was grossly negligent, willful and demonstrated a wanton disregard for the consequences of their actions,” the lawsuit said.

Jones, the owner of Noelani Yacht Charters, did not respond to an email or phone call requesting comment. Monday’s lawsuit is the latest in a string of cases filed against Jones and his businesses in recent years.

Jones pledged to repay all costs that arose from the wreck and told Civil Beat he planned to continue running charters on his Oahu-based yacht to help him repay the debts.

But Noelani Yacht Charters’ website says the company is no longer in business. Jones’ commercial permit that allowed him to run charters on the Noelani expired in February, and because he owes hundreds of thousands of dollars to the state, he can’t renew his permit, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

Under the agency’s Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation rules, anyone who wants to do business in Hawaii waters must have a commercial permit. The Nakoa, which was purchased by Jones in December to run charters around Maui, didn’t have one . 

The lawsuit says Jones had agreed to purchase the Nakoa from the Alberts, which owned the vessel through a trust. The pricetag was $1.45 million and scheduled to be paid off over 15 years. The Alberts’ attorney did not respond to a call seeking comment. 

yacht crash in maui

The Dec. 29 purchase agreement laid out all of the requirements that Jones and Noelani Yacht Charters needed to meet to manage and eventually take full ownership of the yacht. Among the conditions mentioned: that the charter company needed to “use its best efforts to manage and operate the vessel in accordance with best yacht management practices;” that the seller wouldn’t be held liable for things like injuries, fines, damages and legal challenges; and that, in the event the yacht was lost or damaged, the buyer would “bear all risk.” 

Meanwhile, under the terms of the yacht’s insurance policy, the Nakoa was supposed to be crewed by an approved licensed captain, first mate and crew member, according to the lawsuit. 

The lawsuit says the captain who was approved and listed on the yacht’s insurance policy was initially on board on Feb. 17 when Jones, his wife and children arrived in West Maui, along with another captain, first mate and crew member for the weekend trip. Upon Jones’ direction, the approved captain left the yacht; he was scheduled to return Feb. 20 to lead a charter to Lanai. 

A luxury yacht ran aground on Maui on Feb. 20. (Courtesy: DLNR/2023)

Instead, the new captain took charge, according to the lawsuit. At that point, that captain had previously operated at the helm of the Noelani but hadn’t yet captained the Nakoa.

Over the course of the weekend, the lawsuit says Jones and his family were shuttled from Kaanapali to Kapalua to Honolua. On Feb. 18 and 19, the yacht was moored overnight at Honolua Bay — on a day-use mooring that’s typically limited to 2.5 hours and where overnight use is explicitly prohibited. 

On the night leading up to the grounding, the lawsuit says that neither the captain nor Jones designated someone to keep watch on deck to ensure the yacht stayed in place —  a standard maritime safety practice. Instead, Jones and his crew relied on a digital anchor alarm, according to the lawsuit.

Around 5:20 a.m. on Feb. 20, Jones heard the alarm go off, the lawsuit said. Meanwhile, the captain realized the yacht had broken free from the mooring and was drifting. At that point, the engines weren’t on.  

“After getting the engines started and the propulsion and steering engaged, (the captain), Jones and the vessel’s crew undertook a series of maneuvers but ultimately ran aground in Honolua Bay,” the lawsuit says. 

In the following weeks, state officials would learn that the yacht caused “ significant damage ” to the marine habitat, wreaking havoc on the corals and live rock covering more than 19,000 square feet, according to DLNR.

The state agency also hired a contractor for at least $460,000 to remove the yacht. It’s unclear if the yacht’s insurance policy will cover the removal, or if Jones or the Alberts will be footing the bill to pay the state back.

The agency is planning to present a final report on the extent of the damage to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, along with recommended fines and penalties, at some point in the future. 

Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by grants from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation and the Fred Baldwin Memorial Foundation.

--> Sign up for our FREE morning newsletter and face each day more informed. --> Sign up for our FREE morning newsletter and face each day more informed.

Before you go.

Civil Beat is a small nonprofit newsroom that provides free content with no paywall. That means readership growth alone can’t sustain our journalism.

The truth is that less than 1% of our monthly readers are financial supporters. To remain a viable business model for local news, we need a higher percentage of readers-turned-donors.

Will you consider becoming a new donor today?  

About the Author

Marina Starleaf Riker

Top Stories

This Lahaina Family Has Found A New Life With Old Friends An Ocean Away

This Lahaina Family Has Found A New Life With Old Friends An Ocean Away

For Honolulu’s Trail Runners, ‘It’s The Exhaustion’ That Appeals

Beth Fukumoto: Why Isn’t The Legislature Doing More To Address Hawaii’s High Cost Of Living?

Jonathan Okamura: UH Needs To Provide More Support For Samoan Students Who Don’t Play Football

Jonathan Okamura: UH Needs To Provide More Support For Samoan Students Who Don’t Play Football

Photos: Hanging 18 With A Woofing Waverider On Oahu’s North Shore

John Pritchett: Fill In The Blank

The Weekly News Quiz: March 29

The Weekly News Quiz: March 29

Get in-depth reporting on hawaii’s biggest issues, sign up for our free morning newsletter.

You're officially signed up for our daily newsletter, the Morning Beat. A confirmation email will arrive shortly.

In the meantime, we have other newsletters that you might enjoy. Check the boxes for emails you'd like to receive.

  • Breaking News Alerts What's this? Be the first to hear about important news stories with these occasional emails.
  • Special Projects & Investigations What's this? You'll hear from us whenever Civil Beat publishes a major project or investigation.
  • Environment What's this? Get our latest environmental news on a monthly basis, including updates on Nathan Eagle's 'Hawaii 2040' series.
  • Ideas What's this? Get occasional emails highlighting essays, analysis and opinion from IDEAS, Civil Beat's commentary section.

Inbox overcrowded? Don't worry, you can unsubscribe or update your preferences at any time.

yacht crash in maui

Nearly 10 people involved in Seminole County boat crash that sends 2 to hospital

Nearly 10 people were involved in a Seminole County boat crash on Sunday.

According to officials with Seminole County Fire Rescue, officials responded to a water rescue call at Cameron Wright Park around 6:38 p.m. Officials say two boats collided on the water while navigating a bend.

The incident occurred at the north end of Lake Jesup, which is east of the Orlando Sanford Airport.

"I'm down the river a little bit, there has been a collision, he cut the corner too sharp, and I hit him," a caller said on a 911 call released by officials.

There were eight people involved between the two boats, officials said.

SCFR said two people suffered injuries and were transported to a local hospital, including one trauma alert.

The 911 calls indicate a man had a back injury and a teenage girl had issues with her ribs.

"The passenger on one boat was thrown out," another 911 caller said.

At 7:30 p.m., SCFR started working on bringing all the uninjured passengers ashore.

While SCFR responded to the medical emergency, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be investigating what led up to the collision.

The fire department added that one victim needed advanced life support.

WESH 2 asked for updates on the people who were hurt, but no updated conditions were available.

As temperatures climb, more and more people will be out on the water, so all boaters need to be mindful and use caution.

TOP STORIES FROM WESH:

Special edition Stanley tumblers are selling out, but these are still in stock

READ THE FULL STORY: Nearly 10 people involved in Seminole County boat crash that sends 2 to hospital

CHECK OUT WESH: Stay in the know with the latest Orlando news, weather and sports. Get the top stories and all the scores from the team at WESH.

boat crash

Woman arrested after allegedly killing 66-year-old and his dog in hit-and-run

MADISON, Wis. ( WMTV /Gray News) - Over one year after a fatal hit-and-run, a 22-year-old woman is behind bars after she allegedly ran over a man and his dog.

In February 2023, Tiambra Walker struck 66-year-old Stephen Fleck while he was walking his dog, Gille Dubh, according to WMTV. Authorities said they both were in the road nearly 10 minutes before being found.

Tiambra Walker is wanted in a deadly hit and run crash that happened in February of 2023.

The investigation came to an end when a woman reported her purse stolen around 12:50 p.m., on Saturday.

WMTV reported that police eventually found the suspect in a vehicle with three people inside.

Walker allegedly tried to run from officers but was caught and brought to the Peoria County Jail, where she’s being held. She was charged with assaulting an officer, escape, theft and resisting.

Police said Walker will be extradited due to the more severe nature of her charges.

At the time of the fatal hit-and-run, Walker was out on bail with a condition that she could not drive.

Copyright 2024 WMTV via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

"Why should I have to pay for it" damage caused by golf balls prompts liability debate

‘Why should I have to pay for it?’: Damage caused by golf balls prompts liability debate

Jill and Jay Campbell say their dream vacation has turned into a nightmare.

‘We’re stranded here’: Couple says cruise line abandoned them on African island

Honolulu CrimeStoppers is asking the public to help find these two suspects who stole...

Honolulu CrimeStoppers asking for public’s help to find thieves

Bus video shows moment of impact as pedestrian is struck in Liliha crosswalk.

Woman hit by city bus reaches $2.5M settlement with city, company

An outreach coordinator for AARP Hawaii was nearly victimized in an e-commerce scam.

E-commerce scam nearly snares AARP Hawaii outreach coordinator

Latest news.

Kids Hurt Too offers counseling, peer support groups, mentoring and activities for families...

Nonprofit Kids Hurt Too shares advice for dealing with grief, trauma

Hawaii is known for its scenic golf courses, but sometimes those golf balls don’t stay on the...

'Why should I have to pay for it': Damage caused by golf balls prompts liability debate

Dr. Hal Kitchings, senior pastor at Easthaven Baptist Church, wants the newly constructed...

Pastor defends 150-foot cross that cost $200,000 to build as ‘message of hope’

Larry Desantis, one of the last drivers to cross Baltimore’s Key Bridge before it collapsed,...

Last driver on Baltimore bridge before collapse grateful to be alive

One of the last drivers to cross Baltimore’s Key Bridge before it collapsed is counting his...

Last driver to cross Baltimore bridge says he barely missed collapse

NBC Bay Area

See how Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow celebrate Easter 2024

See photos from easter celebrations of celebs such as paris hilton, victoria beckham and gwyneth paltrow., by corinne heller | e • published march 31, 2024 • updated on march 31, 2024 at 6:08 pm.

Originally appeared on E! Online

First Easter as a mom of two? That's hot.

Paris Hilton is living with her family this holiday , more than four months after she welcomed her second child, daughter London, with husband Carter Reum.

@parishilton Best Easter Ever! 🥰🐣 ♬ original sound - ParisHilton
Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.

"The Paris in Love" star shared videos from their celebration on her TikTok, showing eldest son Phoenix, 14 months, at an Easter egg hunt. Hilton captioned the post, "Best Easter Ever!"

She also shared pics from an Easter-themed photo shoot with Phoenix. Hilton wore a short fuchsia bow front dress with matching pointed pumps and fingerless gloves. She appears sitting on stairs adorned with colorful bunny, chick and duckling toys and cutouts, as well as giant, decorated eggs, while cuddling Phoenix, who is dressed in a teddy bear-printed outfit with a brown, fuzzy bear ears hood.

She also shared a behind-the-scenes video from the shoot on her Instagram Stories, which shows her standing against a pink backdrop as Carter plays with their son on the floor nearby.

Entertainment News

yacht crash in maui

‘The Bachelor' stars Joey and Kelsey reveal this crucial wedding detail

yacht crash in maui

See adorable throwback video from Taylor Swift's first Easter

Paris Hilton's Family Photos With Her Kids

Hilton captioned the clip, "When you and your baby have the same laugh."

Many other celebs also shared pics from their Easter festivities. Gwyneth Paltrow posted a rare pic of herself on a trip to Nashville with both her kids Apple, 19, and Moses, 17, who she shares with ex-husband Chris Martin .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow)

Victoria Beckham also shared pics of her family, celebrating Easter with bunny ear headbands on a massive yacht. She also upped the Spice Girls nostalgia when she posted a pic of herself and her daughter-in-law Nicola Peltz Beckham dancing to one of her band's hits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham)

This article tagged under:

yacht crash in maui

IMAGES

  1. After weeks stuck in Maui Bay, luxury yacht goes under during rescue

    yacht crash in maui

  2. Luxury yacht that ran aground off Maui damages coral reef

    yacht crash in maui

  3. Video: Salvors Use Helicopter to Defuel Grounded Yacht on Maui

    yacht crash in maui

  4. Maui residents furious as super yacht that ran aground at Honolua Bay

    yacht crash in maui

  5. Four Rescued From Capsized 30' Boat Off Wailea, Maui

    yacht crash in maui

  6. Grounded yacht on Maui shoreline caused significant damage to corals

    yacht crash in maui

COMMENTS

  1. DLNR: Grounded yacht scuttled at sea after being 'successfully' freed

    The luxury yacht 'Nakoa' is now at the bottom of the ocean. HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The grounded luxury yacht 'Nakoa' was freed Sunday afternoon after three unsuccessful attempts in two ...

  2. Yacht Nakoa Sinks Off Hawaii After Grounding

    A superyacht sitting grounded off Maui for nearly two weeks finally became freed on March 5. However, minutes after salvage crews began towing her, the 94-foot (28.65-meter) yacht Nakoa sank.. Nakoa ran aground in Honolua Bay, off Maui's northwest coast on February 20.The owner, Jim Jones, tells local media that he and his family had anchored for the weekend when her line—attached to a ...

  3. Maui officials: Luxury yacht that ran aground near marine sanctuary

    HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Maui officials confirmed the luxury yacht grounded near a marine sanctuary leaked fuel into the bay. The 94-foot vessel got stuck on the reef on Monday at Honolua Bay.

  4. Maui Yacht Owner: 'I Didn't Know What I Was Getting Into'

    The owner of a luxury yacht that ran aground last month in Honolua Bay is trying to salvage his reputation as efforts continue this week to remove his 94-foot Sunseeker from a delicate reef off Maui.

  5. Maui Yacht Crash Shows How Hard It Is To Salvage Shipwrecks

    A luxury yacht ran aground on Maui on Feb. 20. It was freed March 5. (Courtesy: DLNR/2023) Because of the physically — and financially — volatile nature of the job, the industry is a tough one ...

  6. State Land Board Chair To Grounded Maui Yacht Owner: 'This Is Not Over'

    A luxury yacht ran aground on Maui on Feb. 20. (Courtesy: DLNR/2023) "This is not over," BLNR Chairwoman Dawn Chang said, adding that in her opinion Jones should not be allowed to operate any ...

  7. Salvage work continues for grounded yacht at Honolua Bay; owner faces

    It's been nearly a week since a luxury yacht ran aground at Honolua Bay, damaging one of the most treasured surfing spots on Maui. According to state Department of Land and Natural Resources ...

  8. Luxury yacht runs aground in Honolua Bay

    A 97-foot yacht ran aground in Honolua Bay on Maui on Monday morning. Video courtesy Dino Tassara/Tassara Media #HINews #StarAdvertiser More from the Honolul...

  9. Luxury yacht that ran aground off Maui damages coral reef

    The yacht, Nakoa, ran aground just outside the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District two weeks ago and was finally freed on Sunday after three attempts. It then sank in 800 feet of water, where it will remain. The four-person DAR team assessed both initial damage from when the vessel was grounded and scars from when the boat was ...

  10. First fuel, then yacht to be removed from Honolua Bay reef

    A representative from Noelani Yacht Charters told The Maui News that the Nakoa was on a mooring in Honolua Bay when the line was severed at around 5:45 a.m. Monday while they were in the middle of ...

  11. State will bill owner $460K for cost of salvaging yacht ...

    The state has selected a contractor to remove the 94-foot-long yacht that remains grounded at Honolua Bay and will bill the owner for the $460,000 salvage cost. The Department of Land and Natural ...

  12. Maui businessman sued for $2M after grounding luxury yacht

    Published 7:08 PM PDT, March 15, 2023. WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) — A business owner whose luxury yacht ran aground and leaked diesel fuel into waters off the Hawaiian island of Maui last month is being sued for more than $2 million in damages by a trust that sold him the vessel. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Honolulu on Monday seeks ...

  13. A 100-foot luxury yacht is sparking outrage after crashing into the

    At the end of February, a 94-foot, 120-ton luxury yacht called Nakoa ran aground on Maui, causing damage to over 19,400 square feet of the area's coral reef — just over the size of four ...

  14. After weeks stuck in Maui Bay, luxury yacht goes under during rescue

    Debris now litters Honolua bay in the area where the luxury yacht was towed off the rocks.

  15. 120-ton yacht remains grounded on Maui

    HONOLUA BAY, Maui — The state is still working to free a 120-ton super yacht from the corals and reefs of Honolua Bay in northwest Maui, more than a week after its owner accidentally landed the ...

  16. Luxury yacht runs aground in marine sanctuary in west Maui

    The owner of a luxury yacht is apologizing tonight after getting stuck on the reef in West Maui. For more Local News from Hawaii News Now: https://www.haw...

  17. The Yacht Was Finally Freed From Honolua Bay

    The 120-ton yacht that ran aground two weeks ago has finally been hauled away from the rocky shoreline at Honolua Bay. After being freed Sunday afternoon, the yacht began to take on water while ...

  18. Luxury yacht runs aground in Honolua Bay on Maui

    A 94-foot Sunseeker luxury yacht ran aground in Honolua Bay on Maui Monday morning after its mooring line snapped, sparking outrage on social media over the boat's potential damage to the marine ...

  19. 94-foot yacht freed from Maui rocky shoreline only to sink 800 feet

    The yacht Nakoa ended up sinking in 800 feet of water after taking on water from all the holes in its hull. Photo: Department of Land and Natural Resources. Nearly two weeks after a 120-ton, 94-foot luxury yacht grounded in Honolua Bay on Maui, a salvage ship and a tugboat from Honolulu finally freed the vessel named Nakoa from the rocky shoreline.

  20. Crews still trying to remove luxury yacht from Maui's Honolua Bay after

    Crews are still working today to remove a luxury yacht that's been stuck in a Maui Bay for a full week now. UPDATE 8: 00 p.m. -- A tractor tug boat from Sause Brothers Inc., Oahu, began removing ...

  21. Maui residents furious as super yacht that ran aground at ...

    Somebody gives you a push, then watches you crash into a pole. ... A wild-looking 94-foot super yacht ran aground in Honolua Bay on Maui Monday morning after its mooring line snapped, sparking outrage on social media over the boat's potential damage to the iconic wave and the surrounding marine environment.

  22. 'Operator error' to blame in Waikiki boat crash

    Everybody, you can imagine, just trying to grab on to what [they] could.". Ocean Safety rescues 30 passengers after boat runs aground in Waikiki. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the owner of ...

  23. Person Dies In Boat Crash At Point Reyes Headlands Thursday ...

    A person died in a boat crash on Thursday afternoon in the area of Marin County's Point Reyes Headlands, according to authorities. At around 4:30 p.m., the Marin County Fire Department asked the ...

  24. Investors Sue Maui Yacht Owner For More Than $2M After Honolua Bay

    The investors behind the 120-ton, 94-foot luxury yacht that ran aground in Honolua Bay are suing Noelani Yacht Charters, the company's owner and the captain on the day of the wreck for more than ...

  25. Nearly 10 people involved in Seminole County boat crash that ...

    READ THE FULL STORY:Nearly 10 people involved in Seminole County boat crash that sends 2 to hospital. CHECK OUT WESH:Stay in the know with the latest Orlando news, weather and sports. Get the top ...

  26. Woman arrested after allegedly killing 66-year-old ...

    Tiambra Walker is wanted in a deadly hit and run crash that happened in February of 2023. (Dane County Sheriff's Office) The investigation came to an end when a woman reported her purse stolen ...

  27. Paris Hilton, Victoria Beckham and more stars celebrate Easter 2024

    Trending Easter 🐰 Fast food wage hike Truckee plane crash Isolated rain ⛈️ Caltrain secret homes Hawaii lot Giants. Expand. ... celebrating Easter with bunny ear headbands on a massive yacht.