Over 20 containers fall overboard near Hilo

Several 40-foot containers fell overboard from a barge near Hilo, Hawaii, on 22 June 2020, the US Coast Guard (USCG) said.

The cargo was lost from the barge Ho Omaka Hou as the tug Hoku Loa, and its barge, was transiting to Hilo Harbor.

As informed, the number of lost containers currently stands at 21. Nine of those have been located while twelve remain missing.

The crew of the tug and barge Ho Omaka Hou recognized the containers were missing after mooring in Hilo. Containers are reportedly adrift approximately 8 miles north of Hilo, and one is reported adrift in Hilo Harbor. 

“The Coast Guard is investigating the incident, and Young Brothers is working with a salvage team to locate and recover as many containers as possible. No injuries are reported,” the USCG said in a statement.

The USCG added that watchstanders issued a broadcast notice to mariners to alert any traffic in the area to keep a sharp lookout for any containers that may pose a hazard to navigation. 

The Coast Guard is working with Young Brothers personnel to assess the situation further, including determining what cargo is lost and on the investigation. 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.