A cruise vessel Emerald Princess, operated by Princess Cruises, was forced to cancel a scheduled port call in Hawaii after a harbor pilot fell into the water during transfer operations.
The incident occurred as the pilot was boarding the ship off the coast of Hilo, Hawaii, in moderate sea conditions. During the transfer from the pilot boat to the cruise vessel, he reportedly lost footing and fell into the ocean.
Crew members and the pilot boat responded immediately. The individual was recovered from the water later and transported ashore for medical evaluation. Local authorities later confirmed that the pilot was in stable condition. No other injuries were reported.
Due to the incident and the interruption of pilotage services, the cruise ship was unable to safely proceed into port and instead remained offshore before continuing its voyage.
Port authorities initiated a review of the transfer procedure. Pilot transfers are considered routine but remain among the higher-risk maritime operations, particularly in open water where swell, vessel motion, and ladder arrangements can complicate boarding.
Emerald Princess is the 113,561 gross ton, 288 meters cruise ship, registered in Bermuda. It has a capacity of 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew. The vessel continued its itinerary following the missed call.
