Bulk Carrier Grounds Off Hawaii
HONOLULU - The Coast Guard continues to monitor a grounded ship at the entrance to Barbers Point Harbor. The Cape Flattery and crew were inbound to Barbers Point Harbor at about 7 a.m. to offload cement when it ran aground about 400 yards from the entrance. The current plan is for the ship's owner to complete a salvage plan and have all necessary tugs in place before a high tide at about 8 p.m. The four tugs are on scene to assist in refloating the Cape Flattery. At this point there is no apparent pollution or hull damage. Coast Guard inspectors are currently interviewing the captain and crew and investigating the cause of the accident. The Coast Guard Cutter Washington remains on scene with the Cape Flattery as a communications platform and to monitor any developments.
Cape Flattery Still Aground, Cargo Removal Suspended
(Honolulu) Operations to remove portions of the cement cargo from the Cape Flattery, which is aground near the entrance of Barbers Point Harbor, were suspended Sunday afternoon because of unsafe sea conditions. The Unified Command continues to monitor the efforts to safely remove the Cape Flattery. Prior to suspending operations, salvage crews were able to remove approximately 30 percent of the granular cement necessary to refloat the vessel. Offloading operations will continue when weather conditions permit. The local crane and barge companies assisting with offloading operations are currently moored at Barbers Point Harbor. During routine soundings Sunday, the ship's crew discovered sea water in one of the empty fuel tanks.
