Tug and barge run aground, close Hawaii port

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(HONOLULU) — The Coast Guard captain of the port reopened the port of Nawiliwili, Kauai, on Sunday after finding no apparent obstructions in the water or hazards to safe navigation.

On Friday evening, the tug Moana Holo and its deck barge Maka Ala ran aground near the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor. During dive operations of the barge Maka Ala on Sunday, a 30-by-15-foot skeg was discovered missing. To ensure the safety of traffic, the Coast Guard closed the port of Nawiliwili.

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.

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(HONOLULU) (Nov. 2) — The Coast Guard captain of the port closed the port of Nawiliwili, Kauai, on Sunday due to a possible obstruction in the water.

On Friday evening, the tug Moana Holo and its deck barge Maka Ala ran aground near the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor. During dive operations of the barge Maka Ala on Sunday, 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.

Out of an abundance of caution, the port is closed to all traffic until the skeg is located. The operating company is working diligently with contractors to locate and mark the skeg.

By Professional Mariner Staff