Unexpected Incident at Sea: Pilot Rescued Near Kauai
On 10th February 2026, a harbour pilot faced a dramatic rescue after falling into the sea while attempting to board the Emerald Princess. This incident occurred off the coast of Kauai, leading to the cancellation of the ship’s scheduled port call. The Emerald Princess, carrying 3,090 guests, was preparing to enter Nawiliwili Harbor when the mishap took place.
Challenging Conditions and Quick Response
Passengers on board witnessed the pilot’s struggle as he attempted to climb a rope ladder from a pilot boat. The boat was positioned alongside the cruise ship. Unfortunately, he slipped and fell into the water on the port side. Eyewitnesses noted that the pilot had made several attempts to board in difficult conditions before losing his footing. A “man overboard” announcement was made immediately after the fall.
Swift Rescue Efforts
The crew aboard the pilot vessel acted quickly. They manoeuvred the boat into position and retrieved the pilot from the water within minutes. Video footage shared online shows the pilot being pulled back on board the pilot boat. Thankfully, he appeared unharmed. One passenger expressed gratitude, saying, “Thanks to God for a quick recovery and a well-trained crew. He is healthy and fine.”
Emerald Princess Crew Praised
Guests praised the Emerald Princess crew for their professionalism and efficiency. One guest remarked, “I am amazed how well-trained and efficient the Emerald staff handled everything quickly and professionally. Well-done crew.” At the time of writing, Princess Cruises has not released a public statement about the incident. However, cruise lines typically offer automatic refunds for pre-paid shore excursions when a port call is missed.
Severe Weather Conditions in Hawaii
The cancelled port visit coincided with severe weather conditions in Hawaii. On 8th February, the National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kauai. The advisory warned of hazardous sea conditions, with breaking waves of 7 to 10 feet and surf heights forecast between 8 and 12 feet. The warning was extended through to 6 p.m. on 11th February.
Challenges of Pilot Transfers
Rough seas can complicate pilot transfers significantly. During these manoeuvres, a small pilot boat must maintain precise positioning alongside a much larger cruise ship. The harbour pilot then climbs a rope ladder secured to the vessel’s side. Swells and shifting winds can cause unpredictable movement between the two vessels, increasing the risk of slips or falls.
Emerald Princess’s Journey
The Emerald Princess, a 113,561-gross-ton ship, departed Los Angeles on 4th February 2026 for a 16-night Hawaii sailing. Kauai was intended to be the first port of call after several days at sea. Passengers reported that the ship had been listing by around five degrees as it approached the island. One guest commented, “The weather has been insane here in Hawaii.
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