A veteran harbor pilot died last night on Kaua'i following a fall from a ladder after navigating the cruise ship Island Princess out of Nawiliwili Harbor.

A family member last night confirmed the death of David Lyman of Nu'uanu.

Lyman, who was in his early 60s, was a well-known Island waterman who served on the board of the Hawai'i Maritime Museum and was skipper of the voyaging canoe Hokule'a during its storm-shortened 1978 sail to Tahiti.

Albert Lono Lyman, a cousin of David Lyman, said Lyman fell off a ladder while getting off the cruise ship. Lyman fell in the water and was hit by the pilot boat, Lono Lyman said.

"He was very experienced, has been doing this for decades and fell off a ladder," Lono Lyman said of his cousin, a 1961 graduate of Punahou School and later of the California Maritime Academy. "He was certified to drive or pilot any type of ship in the world. He brought in the Queen Elizabeth II to Honolulu.

"It's tragic. The only solace is he was doing something he had a passion for and loved. ... Out of high school, he knew this is what he wanted to do."

Coast Guard marine safety officers are conducting the investigation, Coast Guard Petty Officer Brooksann Epiceno said.

The accident occurred about 5 p.m. Lyman died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital, Kaua'i County police officer Kenneth Cummings said.

In March 1978 Lyman was captain of the Hokule'a when it got caught in a severe storm and capsized off Lana'i. Crew member Eddie Aikau paddled his surfboard toward Lana'i to try to get help.

Aikau was never seen again. The sailing canoe's crew was rescued.

Lyman also was president of the Hawai'i Pilots Association, which represents the independent contractors who guide ships in and out of the state's ports.

Lyman is survived by his wife and three adult children.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.