Honolulu firefighters rescued three people from a 36-foot long sailboat that ran aground in nearshore waters off Waikiki Beach early today.

Firefighters and the Coast Guard responded to the area near the surf spot, Rock Piles, shortly before 4:40 a.m. after the boat, Saving Grace, ran aground, according to Honolulu Fire spokesman Capt. Jeffrey Roache.

When firefighters arrived, they observed the vessel on its side taking on water. Firefightrs rescued the three boaters and brought them safely to shore. No injuries were reported.

AJ McWhorter, spokesman of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, said they are working to hire a contractor to remove the vessel because they have not been able to contact the boat owner.

The Division of Boating and Recreation and the Division of Aquatic Resources is working together on a salvage plan, he added.

McWhorter noted there was no release of fuel into the water from the vessel.