Inset: Avery Nissen (Hawaii Police Department). Background: A section of Honokōhau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Google Maps). 

Avery Nissen, a 21-year-old from eastern Kansas, faces serious charges including second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree assault, according to a statement from the Hawaii Police Department. Authorities have set his bail at $1,570,000 following the harrowing incident.

Details from the police indicate that Nissen suddenly assaulted the 62-year-old captain with a fillet knife. The unexpected attack prompted other passengers on the boat to intervene and subdue Nissen until law enforcement could arrive.

The situation escalated around 3:21 p.m. on Thursday, when patrol officers received reports of a vessel returning to Honokōhau Harbor with both the victim and suspect on board. Upon docking, Nissen was promptly taken into custody as the investigation into the violent altercation began.

Officers allege that at some point, Nissen attacked the 62-year-old boat captain with a fillet knife. The suspect — who is from eastern Kansas — had to be restrained by other people on the boat.

At about 3:21 p.m., patrol officers responded to the Honokōhau Harbor in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, because they were told a fishing vessel “was returning from sea with the victim and suspect of a stabbing incident onboard.” Once the boat came in from the sea, Nissen was arrested.

The boat captain “sustained a stab wound to the lower abdomen and numerous knife cuts to the head and hands,” police said on Friday. He was brought to an area hospital “where he remains in stable condition.”

Authorities say the motive behind the alleged attack is unknown, and they asked anyone with additional information about it to contact them.

Nissen is scheduled to appear in Kona District Court on Monday.