Posted on: Monday, January 14, 2002

Moloka'i Princess ferry catches fire

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Moloka'i Princess, the 100-foot passenger ferry that runs between Moloka'i and Maui, caught fire yesterday afternoon about 100 miles east of Kaunakakai harbor on Moloka'i.

About 20 people, 16 of whom were passengers, were on board at the time of the fire.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Lauren Smith said the Coast Guard dispatched a H65 Dolphin rescue helicopter and a C-130 long-range aircraft from Barbers Point at about 4:40 p.m.

A 110-foot patrol boat was also dispatched, but the boat turned back before reaching the Princess.

The Maui Fire Department also dispatched a boat, she said.

Meanwhile, the crew of the ferry was able to put out the fire using extinguishers, Smith said.

The Coast Guard helicopter and the fire department boat escorted the Princess back to Kaunakakai, where several passengers were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, Smith said.