Responders unsuccessful in removing grounded fishing vessel off Honolulu

Responders unsuccessful in removing grounded fishing vessel off Honolulu

HONOLULU — Responders were unsuccessful in removing the grounded 79-foot fishing vessel Pacific Paradise off Waikiki, Friday.

Marine salvage company Cates International crews utilized a tug with 8” plasma towline and chain from both the bow and stern of the fishing vessel in the attempt to break it free from the coral reef.

“Salvage teams attempted various removal procedures on both on the bow and stern and although the vessel had movement during the process, it remains aground,” said Capt. Michael Long, commander, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu and captain of the port. “Our Coast Guard teams will reassess with all our partners this weekend to prepare future removal plans. We understand the sense of urgency to remove this vessel from the reef and are working diligently to ensure this is done as quickly and as safely as possible.”

Approximately 1,500 gallons of diesel remains on board and all fuel tanks have been plugged.

A safety zone remains in effect around the vessel extending out 500 yards in all directions. The public is asked to remain clear of the safety zone to prevent injury or impact to operations. The public is strongly urged to not attempt to approach the vessel.

A salvage team was able to approach the vessel for the first time post fire, Wednesday to survey the damage, assess the hull and inspect for pollution. The fishing vessel was prepped Thursday in an attempt to be towed the following day.

The vessel remained grounded for several days despite several initial attempts to tow it from the reef located off Waikiki’s Kaimana Beach during favorable tides. Partners in the effort include personnel in several divisions of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Health, the responsible party, commercial salvors and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

No marine mammals have been affected during the duration of this incident.

The Pacific Paradise is a U.S.-flagged vessel and part of the Hawaii longline fishing fleet homeported in Honolulu. Coast Guard response and Honolulu Fire Department crews rescued the master and 19 fishermen from the vessel late night Oct. 10, following reports that the vessel grounded off Diamond Head near Kaimana Beach. Those crewmen were released to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The cause of the grounding remains under investigation.

 -USCG-