The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1885-08-20
VICTIMS OF SHARK AND WAVE.
Investigation Into the Loss of Life
by the Wrecked Schooner POhOiIki.

An inquisition was held at Hookena,
district of South Kona, Island of Ha-
wall, on the 9TH day of August, 1885, be-
fore @. w. P. Kaia, one of the Coroners
of said island, to inquire by what means
Paahao (k), Captain of the schooner Po-
hoiki, Kailianu (w), wife of said Cap
tain, and Kaulu (k), sailor on the
schooner Pohoiki, came to their death on
the night of the Goth of July, in conse-
quence OF the capsizing of the schooner
Pohoih at a point between Kau and
Kona.
The following jurors were empaneled :
T. K. r. Amalu, w. J.. Maxwell, Jos.
Kaeo, w. Napumanai, S. K. Kauwe and
P. w Wahe
The first witness called was Kekai, a
sailor on the schooner Pohoiki. He
stated he belonged to Honuaula, Maui
The schooner was at anchor at Pohoiki,
Puma, Sunday, July Goth. There was
stormy and windy weather prevailing
then. 1t was settled to sail for Keauhou,
but it was impossible, owing to the fierce
storm. At Punaluu the same weather
prevailed, and the waves were running
high, likewise at Honuapo. There were
nine piles of wood firmly fixed on board
with three boats loaded with stones. The
schooner rolled considerably When we
got to Wanienie the foresail was furled
up. 1t was dark when we passed the
lightning was flashing in every direction,
and there was much thunder. The rain
was pouring down in torrents, and the
wind blowing hard. AT half-past II
o'clock that night the Captain gave
orders for the remaining sails to be taken
in. All the openings of the vessel were
stopped. 1t was half an hour from the
time the sails were all taken in to the
i, capsizing of the schooner. We were
seven in number-six males and one
female. The schooner was capsized by
the waves, which were running noun
tain high. We all seven got into boat,
but when about three fathoms distance
from the schooner a tremendous wave
swept over us, causing the boat and us
all to be precipitated in the water. Five
appeared, but the Captains wife and a
sailor, Kaulu, were drowned at once.
The former had on a thick red dress.
The Captain was bitten in two places by
a shark, and lost great quantity OF
blood. Two other sailors, Hoa and Ka-
iii, were also bitten. Hoa had a slight
cut, but Kalili was more seriously hurt.
Paahao gave us few words of sympa-
thy. On the following day land was out
of sight, except the top of Maunaloa.
Paahao was still alive, but died at mid
night, through being bitten by the shark
and loss of blood The body was com
mitted to the deep.
Kaahaaina, another sailor, also gave {.
similar statement.
The jury, after hearing the testimony,
rendered the following verdict: "That
the schooner Pohoiki capsized and sunk
on account of heavy wind and the order
of the Captain to furl up all the sails.
Kailianu (w) and Kaulu, being unable to
struggle with the heavy waves, were
drowned. The Captain, Paahao, dice
from the effects of being bitten by sharks
''For the truth of this we hereunt,
subscribe our names, this seventh da!
OF August, 1885.
''(Signed): T. K. P. Amalu, w. j.
Maxwell, Jos. Kaeo, w. Napumanai, I
w. Wahe, S. K. Kauwe."