A harbor pilot fell into the ocean on February 10, 2026, while attempting to board Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess in rough seas off Kauai, Hawaii.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. as the 3,090-guest vessel prepared to enter Nawiliwili Harbor. The pilot was making his third attempt to climb the rope ladder from the pilot boat when he lost his footing and fell into the water.
The ship’s captain immediately announced a man overboard situation. Passengers reported the pilot fell approximately 10 to 20 feet from the ship’s hull into 12-foot seas.
Walter of Where’s Walters Travels shared this photo with us on Tuesday evening.
The pilot boat crew quickly maneuvered to retrieve him from the water. Video shared by passengers shows the man pulled back aboard the pilot vessel within minutes. The pilot was not injured in the incident.
Following the failed boarding attempt, Princess Cruises canceled the Kauai port call. The ship continued to its next scheduled stop in Maui on February 11.
“A member of the pilot boat slipped off the ladder into the sea. Thanks to God for a quick recovery and a well-trained crew he is healthy and fine,” shared one passenger. “I am amazed how well-trained and efficient the Emerald staff handled everything quickly and professionally.”
Princess Cruises had not issued a public statement at press time. The cruise line typically issues automatic refunds to passengers for prepaid shore excursions when a port call is missed.
Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service had issued a high surf advisory for east-facing shores of Kauai on February 8, warning of hazardous conditions.
Guests aboard reported the ship had been listing approximately 5 degrees due to the rough conditions. “The weather has been insane here in Hawaii,” said one passenger. “Our ship has been listing about 5 degrees for about 20 minutes.”
Nawiliwili Harbor’s approach channel is particularly challenging in rough seas. The southeast-facing port requires navigating a narrow entrance, making pilot transfers especially dangerous when high swells are present.
Pilot transfers are considered one of the most dangerous jobs in shipping. The process requires the small pilot boat to maintain close proximity to a much larger moving vessel while the pilot climbs a rope ladder attached to the ship’s side.
High swells and shifting winds can cause sudden movement between the two vessels, where a single misstep can be fatal.
The 113,561-gross-ton Emerald Princess departed Los Angeles on February 4 on a 16-night Hawaii itinerary. The vessel resumed its schedule after the Kauai cancellation, calling in Maui, Hilo, and Honolulu before returning to Los Angeles on February 20 with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.
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