The Hawaiian barge Ho Omaka Hou lost at least 21 containers overboard, while transiting to Hilo Harbor on Monday. Nine of those have been located, while 12 remain missing.
After the tug Hoku Loa and the barge Ho Omaka Hou moored in Hilo, the crew recognized the containers were missing.
At about 4:30 a.m., the tug operator reported that several 40-foot shipping containers had fallen overboard.
The US Coast Guard is investigating the incident, and Young Brothers is working with a salvage team to locate and recover as many containers as possible.
Containers are reportedly adrift approximately 8 miles north of Hilo, and one is reported adrift in Hilo Harbor.
Watchstanders issued a broadcast notice to mariners to alert for any containers that may pose a hazard to navigation.
Meanwhile, marine safety personnel were dispatched to the incident command post in Hilo, and an overflight is taking place. The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation – Harbors Division is also aware and assisting at the pier in Hilo.
At the time of the incident, the weather was east winds at 12 mph, waves to 4 feet with a south swell at 3 feet, and isolated showers.
