Responders prepare to move fishing vessel grounded in Hilo Bay

HONOLULU — Responders are working to refloat and move the 63-foot fishing vessel, Midway Island, currently aground off Hilo.

The Coast Guard is working with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and contracted personnel to refloat the vessel on the incoming high tide and building surf and move it to a state-owned pier outside Wailoa Boat Harbor for further pollution mitigation efforts. The vessel will not enter the boat harbor.

“The team is rigging the vessel for tow and will leverage the incoming high tide and building surf to coax the vessel off the seabed and into deeper water, before towing it 1.5 miles to the pier outside of normal traffic lanes,” said Chief Warrant Officer Russ Strathern, pollution response expert and Federal On-Scene Coordinator Representative from Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Crews will stand by to dewater if necessary and keep the vessel afloat mitigating the chance of sinking in Hilo Bay.”

Reportedly, 1,352 gallons of petroleum products, including marine diesel, lube, and hydraulic oil, and oily waste, have been safely removed along with the batteries and household cleaners Thursday and Friday. Responders estimate less than forty gallons remain aboard. The Captain of the Port and the Coast Guard Salvage Engineering Response Team reviewed the contractor’s vessel movement and pollution mitigation plan over the weekend and concurred with the approach.

A safety zone in the area remains in effect. The vessel is aground on the rocks northwest of Hilo Harbor, and the safety zone extends 100-yards in all directions from its position. The Coast Guard is asking the public to remain clear of the safety zone to prevent injury or impact to operations.
There continue to be no reports of personnel injuries, pollution, or impacted wildlife. Weather on scene is favorable with clear skies, light winds, excellent visibility, and building surf.

The Midway Island, a U.S.-flagged vessel, grounded Monday following a transit from Los Angeles. The cause of the grounding is under investigation.

-USCG-

U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific
Contact: 14th District Public Affairs
Office: (808) 535-3230
After Hours: (808) 282-7809

HONOLULU — Responders are working to remove potential pollutants from the 63-foot fishing vessel, Midway Island, currently aground off Hilo.

The Coast Guard is working with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and contractor personnel to mitigate the potential pollution threat from the vessel.

Reportedly, a maximum potential of 1,800 gallons of diesel and two marine batteries are aboard.

A safety zone has been established and broadcast to mariners in the area. The vessel is aground on the rocks northwest of Hilo Harbor, and the safety zone extends 100-yards in all directions from its position. The Coast Guard is asking the public to remain clear of the safety zone to prevent injury or impact to operations. The safety zone and Broadcast Notice to Mariners are in effect for the next seven days.

Drone assessments conducted Wednesday produced good footage of the environment and condition of the vessel.

Pollution response measures are expected to start today, weather permitting. A lightering team will begin to mitigate the pollution threat from the vessel by pumping the diesel fuel into 55-gallon drums. Full drums will be airlifted by helicopter to a designated landing zone and then transferred to a vacuum truck for proper disposal. Mitigation measures will be continuously reevaluated and are subject to the effectiveness of lightering operations.

A standby vessel and rescue swimmer will be onsite during operations to assist if needed. The team is also monitoring weather continuously as it may affect operations.

The Coast Guard continues to oversee assessment and mitigation efforts, working in partnership with the State of Hawaii and local officials. There are no reports of personnel injuries, pollution, or impacted wildlife. Weather on scene is 5-foot seas with 5 mph winds.

The Midway Island, a U.S.-flagged vessel, grounded Monday following a transit from Los Angeles. The cause of the grounding is under investigation.

-USCG-

U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific
Contact: 14th District Public Affairs
Office: (808) 535-3230
After Hours: (808) 265-7748