HONOLULU — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Honolulu, working with state and county officials, completed opening all Hawaii ports, Sunday.
Coast Guard and local officials previously ordered the evacuation of able vessels from local harbors Saturday, after a tsunami warning was issued for Hawaii. This evacuation was undertaken in an attempt to ensure public health and safety, protect the environment and preserve harbor infrastructure from inbound tsunami surges.
The Coast Guard Marine Transportation System Recovery Unit organized the safe departure of commercial vessels weighing more than 200 gross tons, that were required by the captain of the port order to travel to a safe distance offshore.
Coast Guard patrol boats, buoy tenders and response boats assisted with the safe evacuation of commercial and civilian vessels from Hawaii’s harbors. Maritime Safety Security Team Honolulu also assisted vessels transiting offshore.
During the night, Coast Guard crews assisted with multiple safety situations. Several vessels ran out of fuel offshore and were later towed in by Coast Guard crews. Vessel owners are encouraged to maintain enough fuel, a supply of medications and other emergency supplies to respond to an emergency.
Under the direction of the Coast Guard Maritime Transportation System Recovery Unit, C-130 airplane, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, sea and land crews assessed impact to maritime infrastructure as the threat of further tsunami subsided. Federal, state and local authorities confirmed that all harbors were safe for re-entry by Sunday morning.
“I was very impressed by the safe and timely evacuation of the ports, coordinated harbor assessments and orderly return of vessels once the ports were reopened.” said Capt. Joanna Nunan, Captain of the Port. “This was truly a team effort with the state, counties, maritime industry and boaters.”
Honolulu Harbor as well as all other Hawaii harbors are now open to all vessel traffic.
