Following the container loss of the Hawaiian barge “Ho Omaka Hou” close to Hilo Harbor, the US Coast Guard oversees the response operation of the lost cargo.
In fact, Ho Omaka Hou lost at least 21 containers overboard, with nine of those located, while 12 remain missing.
In light of the situation, a Cates Marine salvage team was hired by the vessel’s company, Young Brothers, in order to continue searching for the missing containers.
As USCG reported, only one container contains hazardous materials in the form of small household cleaners and usage materials, and this container is on the barge and not in the water.
Cates Marine crewmembers will keep locating and retrieving the containers, as the removal operation of the recovered containers in Hilo Harbor, has already begun.
At the same time, the salvage team has developed a plan to offload the barge and will submit it to Coast Guard Sector Honolulu personnel for review and approval.
Concluding, watchstanders issued a broadcast notice to mariners to alert for any containers that may pose a hazard to navigation.