LIHUE — The U.S. Coast Guard reopened the port of Nawiliwili Sunday after it was shut down Friday evening. The department said in a press release that the port was closed after the Tug Moana Holo and its deck barge
LIHUE — The U.S. Coast Guard reopened the port of Nawiliwili Sunday after it was shut down Friday evening.
The department said in a press release that the port was closed after the Tug Moana Holo and its deck barge Maka Ala ran aground near the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor. It reopened the port after finding no apparent obstructions in the water or hazards to safe navigation.
During dive operations, a 30-by-15-foot skeg was discovered missing.
A skeg is similar to a rudder, but is a fixed extension to the stern of a barge which assists in steering. The skeg remains missing, but poses no threat to navigation.
The tugboat belonged to Young Brothers, Limited, which reported the incident about 8:30 p.m. Friday.
The company is able complete normal sailing operations to Honolulu.
-Melissa McKenzie, spokeswoman for the Sector Honolulu Command Center, 14th district, Melissa McKenzie said there were continuing efforts with the tug operator to recover the vessel.
“There are not any concerns for safe transit in and out of the port,” McKenzie said.
