Responders have managed to locate and address the cause of flooding on the 145-foot passenger-ferry Sili in Pago Pago, on February 17. Namely, the dive team notice a two-inch diameter hole on the port side of the engine room and applied a temporary patch.
On February 16, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report the vessel Sili taking on water at the main pier in Pago Pago. US Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment American Samoa personnel responded alongside local authorities and members of SOLAR, an oil spill response organization. They used containment and sorbent booms around the vessel.
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A day later, local salvage divers were able to determine the cause of the flooding and patch the hole. The vessel does not take on water anymore, while any pollution from the incident has been recovered or dissipated. Now, containment booms remain in place, and a watchstander will stay on the ship to monitor the situation. A long term plan for the ship is being developed.
The ship will remain out of service until it is dry docked and permanent repairs effected. Dry dock availability is scheduled for the end of March. MSD American Samoa personnel will continue to monitor and advise.
The maximum pollution potential is reportedly 9,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 2,000 gallons of lube oil.
Lt. Erica Brewton, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Incident Management Division, noted:
The application of protective booming and a temporary patch helped protect the environment, we will continue to work with our Port partners ensuring a full and safe resolution to the incident