HONOLULU — U.S. Coast Guard pollution investigators on scene reported no visible sheen and no threat to the maritime environment by a grounded 36-foot sailboat in Waikiki.
The Coast Guard “federalized” the case this morning, meaning the Coast Guard takes responsibility for the clean up and disposal of any hazardous chemicals or fuel or oil aboard the vessel. Pacific Environmental Corporation (PENCO) was hired for the clean up and is on scene with officals from the Coast Guard and state.
Approximately 30 gallons of marine diesel was reported to be aboard the vessel when it ran aground at 1:22 a.m. this morning. The vessel is rocking and rolling slightly in small waves in Waikiki, but is still intact.
Once the hazardous chemicals, fuel or oil is removed and the vessel is no longer a pollution threat, the state will handle disposal or salvage of the vessel.
The two people aboard when it ran aground reported no injuries and are safe after the Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department responded to the early morning distress call. Friends of the man and woman aboard the 36-foot lancer sloop TeraMoana reported the vessel overdue to the Coast Guard and HFD at 7:30 p.m. last night.
The Coast Guard read an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB) over marine channel 16 until HFD’s Air One spotted the TeraMoana almost a mile and a half off shore at midnight.
The man and woman — both in their 40s — indicated at that time to HFD they were fine and did not need assistance. At 1:22 a.m., the Coast Guard received a “mayday” call from the TeraMoana on marine channel 16 and the caller said the vessel had run aground and was taking on water. The Coast Guard launched a 41-foot motor lifeboat and crew from Honolulu to respond.
HFD helped the man and woman ashore from the sailboat — which is still 200 yards offshore on the reef in front of the Outrigger Reef Hotel in Waikiki near Fort DeRussy Park.
