HONOLULU -- Three men escaped injury when their sailboat ran aground off Diamond Head early on Monday morning.

It happened as they were ending a nearly three-week-long journey from California.

The 45-foot sailboat Victoria set sail from San Diego on Sept. 11.

It was within sight of the Ala Wai Boat Harbor when it ran aground a little after midnight.

Crewmember Ron Fulwider said the Victoria was being sailed here by its captain, a Maui resident, who said he spent $40,000 to get it ready for its journey.

By midday, waves smashed the Victoria against the reef.

Crewmembers of a salvage company brought in what could be recovered with the help of surfers.

"I brought in a couple tarps, a couple fins and a couple buckets, all empty. Maybe there's gasoline inside, but there's a whole bunch of crap out there," surfer Fred Matayoshi said.

The Coast Guard is spearheading the cleanup effort, which includes removing the vessel, its debris and any fuel that may remain aboard so it will not go in the water.

"The vessel is in a known recreational area. This is a popular surf spot. It's very close to Kaimana Beach and the rest of Waikiki," said John Titchen of the Coast Guard.

The Victoria is considered a total loss.