Research vessel capsizes off Lahaina
The Pacific Whale Foundation's research vessel "Ocean Protector" capsized Tuesday morning outside the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, possibly because of windy conditions, a state Department of Land and Natural Resources official said Tuesday afternoon.
No one was aboard the vessel, and it was not considered an environmental hazard, said Anne Rillero, a foundation spokeswoman.
DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officials and the Coast Guard went to check the 26.6-foot fiberglass open motorboat and seal its motors' gas vent to prevent fuel leaks.
The foundation planned to have the boat upright sometime Tuesday afternoon, Rillero said.
Foundation officials saw the boat listing to one side around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday and then saw it overturn, she said.
The boat remained anchored to its mooring, and the foundation hopes it can still use the vessel for its humpback whale research in early January, she said.
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High-surf advisory until Thursday
A high-surf advisory for east-facing shores of Molokai and Maui has been extended once again to 6 p.m. Thursday by the National Weather Service in Honolulu.
A high-surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.
Surf will be 7 to 10 feet through Thursday afternoon.
The next high tide of about 2.1 feet is expected between 6:55 and 8:13 a.m. today.
Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water and way from the shore break due to hazardous wave action and strong rip currents.
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Warning siren to be tested Thursday
A warning siren at Hana High School will be tested between noon and 3 p.m. Thursday to ensure that it is working properly following repairs.
The county also reminded residents that the monthly test of the emergency alert system and siren warning system will take place as scheduled in Hana and around the county at 11:45 a.m. on the first working day of the month, which is Jan. 2 next month.
Residents may call Maui County Civil Defense at 270-7285 if they have any questions or concerns regarding the tests.
