State Planning Removal of Sailboat from Kona Reef

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is working with a private contractor to remove a sailboat which ran aground shortly before midnight Sunday off the Old Kona Airport.

DLNR spokeswoman Deborah Ward today said discussions were underway with Cates Marine Service to remove the 40-foot “Seaquel” from the reef intact and then dismantle it on land.

She said details of the operation are still being worked out.

The owner of the vessel did not have insurance and cannot afford to pay for salvage.

Ward said the state was expediting the boat’s removal to minimize damage to the reef. An archaeological monitor would be on hand when work to remove the vessel gets underway.

Ward said that was expected to begin on Thursday, surf permitting.