The US Coast Guard is investigating a report of 12 people injured aboard a lava tour boat in Kapoho Bay, Big Island, on Monday July 16. The injuries reportedly range in severity with the worst being a broken leg.
Namely, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from 911 of three crewmembers and three sightseers injured in an incident that happened near a lava flow in Kapoho Bay aboard the tour boat ‘Hot Shot.’
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The vessel returned to Hilo harbor where emergency medical services were waiting to receive the injured. Upon arrival in Hilo, that number was revised to 12 total injured, three seriously and nine minor. The injuries reportedly range in severity with the worst being a broken leg.
Ahead of increased lava activity in the area, USCG established a temporary safety zone in March 2017. That zone was made permanent in May 2018 after a notice of proposed rulemaking.
The zone was set with input and consultation from the Hawaii Volcano Observatory, US Geological Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and date from the University of Hawaii at Hilo Marine Science Department.
The safety zone surrounds the lava flow and extends out 300-meters, although certain commercial and research vessels with licensed captains demonstrating experience operating in the region and carrying all required safety equipment were allowed to approach up to 50 meters.
Tour vessels are known to operate the area going back at least 20 years.
