Coast Guard, local authorities respond to vessel taking on water in American Samoa

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES

02.17.2019

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West 

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard and local authorities are responding to a report of a passenger-ferry taking on water in Pago Pago, American Samoa, Saturday.

Members of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment are working with local authorities and salvors to address the situation. The vessel is currently moored to the main pier and attended by a tugboat.

“This is unexpected and unfortunate” said Cmdr. Patrick Gallagher, chief of response for Sector Honolulu. “Our mission is to protect people and the environment. No one was aboard the vessel and containment boom has been deployed to address any sheen as work continues to stabilize the vessel and remedy the situation.”

At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report that the vessel Sili was taking on water at the main pier in Pago Pago. MSD American Samoa personnel responded alongside local authorities and members of SOLAR, an oil spill response organization. They deployed containment boom around the vessel.

All compartments are sealed, and power is secured. There are no passengers or crew aboard. The maximum pollution potential is reportedly 9,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 2,000 gallons of lube oil. There is no effect from the weather at this time. The cause of the flooding is under investigation.

• Date Taken: 02.17.2019
• Date Posted: 02.17.2019 15:22
• Story ID: 311034
• Location: HONOLULU, HI, US