David Y. Ige

(Honolulu) – At least ten people on a Hawaiian Lava Ocean Tours vessel were injured this morning after an explosion sent lava through the roof of the boat’s passenger cabin. Other reports indicate as many as 12 passengers were hurt. Officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) along with the Hawai‘i County Police Dept. are investigating the incident.

The tours depart from the Wailoa Small Boat Harbor in Hilo at 4 a.m. daily. Prior to the beginning of the East Rift Zone Eruption event, tours left from the Pohoiki Boat Ramp, which now is within ½ mile of the active ocean entrance.

DOCARE officers are now in the process of interviewing injured passengers at the Hilo Medical Center. In initial reporting passengers say the vessel was outside of the U.S. Coast Guard-established safety zone. Along with first responders both state and county officers were at the Wailoa ramp when the boat returned after the incident. It’s reported one passenger has a broken leg and the others were burned, though the full extent of their injuries is not known at this time. More information will be released as it becomes available.

 

UPDATE:

The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) reports 13 people were treated at the Hilo Medical Center after an incident on a lava tour boat early this morning. A 20 year old woman has major leg trauma. The other passengers suffered burns and scrapes. DOCARE and other authorities are investigating this incident. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “DLNR sends its wishes for full and speedy recovery to all of those involved.”

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Photo attached: (Courtesy: DLNR)

Media Contact:
Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
(808) 587-0396

Dan Dennison
Senior Communications Manager
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131
Honolulu, HI 96813
[email protected]
[email protected]

(808) 587-0396 (Communications Office)
(808) 587-0407 (Direct Line)
(808) 295-8749 (Cell)

www.dlnr.hawaii.gov