HONOLULU — U.S. Coast Guard pollution investigators are on scene at Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor, Oahu, this morning after a 734-foot bulk carrier ran aground at 7:25 a.m.
The Liberian-flagged Voge Trader is aground near Buoy No. 2 near the entrance channel to the harbor. The vessel is not blocking the channel, but the salvage operation is preventing other vessels from arriving and departing.
Coast Guard, State Department of Land and Natural Resources and other state and county responders are on scene to evaluate the situation. The vessel’s agent has contracted with four tugboats, which are trying to pull the vessel free.
A harbor pilot was on board the vessel and the Voge Trader was inbound when it went aground.
“We are coordinating closely with the State of Hawaii and the vessel’s owners to ensure any potential pollution threat is mitigated,” said Cmdr. Bob McFarland, the Acting Captain of the Port of Honolulu and the senior Coast Guard officer responsible for the response.
“We are hopeful we will have a more accurate picture of the vessel’s situation soon and we will move forward expeditiously with a salvage operation to ensure minimal impact to the environment and port.”
A Coast Guard air crew aboard an HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point is on scene conducting aerial assessments.
There are no reported injuries to the crew or pilot.
