- U.S.-flagged vessel, grounded off Hilo, following a transit from Los Angeles.
- Team working to mitigate the pollution threat from the vessel.
- A maximum potential of 1,800 gallons of diesel and two marine batteries are aboard.
- Safety zone established upto 100-yards in all directions from the location of the vessel.
US Coast Guard responders are working with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and contractor personnel to remove pollutants from the vessel which ran aground off Hilo, reports Safety4Sea.
What happened?
The Midway Island, a U.S.-flagged vessel, grounded at 1733, on Monday, February 4, following a transit from Los Angeles. Midway The vessel Island is a 63-foot fishing vessel.
The Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from Hilo Fire Department about the grounded vessel, on the rocks northwest of Hilo Harbor with a mariner aboard.
Hilo Fire Department responded with engine, fire boat, and aircrews. Their aircrew arrived on scene and hoisted the mariner to safety. The cause of the grounding is still under investigation.
USCG on removal of pollutants
USCG along with the Department of Land and Natural Resources and contractor personnel is working to mitigate the pollution threat from the vessel. A maximum potential of 1,800 gallons of diesel and two marine batteries are aboard.
No other personnel injuries, pollution, or impact on wildlife were reported.
Safety zone marked
It is reported that a safety zone is established up to 100-yards in all directions from the location of the vessel on the rocks northwest of Hilo Harbor.
The Coast Guard has asked the public to remain clear of the safety zone for their safety and to prevent injury or impact to operations. A Broadcast Notice to Mariners is also expected to be in effect till the operation is completed.
What is the action plan?
- By pumping the diesel fuel into 55-gallon drums, a lightering team will mitigate the pollution threat from the vessel.
- 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 will also be monitoring weather continuously as it may affect operations.
- The Coast Guard will continue to oversee assessment and mitigation efforts, working in partnership with the State of Hawaii and local officials.
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Source: Safety4Sea
