Bulk Carrier Grounds Off Hawaii

HONOLULU - The Coast Guard continues to monitor a grounded ship at the entrance to Barbers Point Harbor. The Cape Flattery and crew were inbound to Barbers Point Harbor at about 7 a.m. to offload cement when it ran aground about 400 yards from the entrance.

The current plan is for the ship's owner to complete a salvage plan and have all necessary tugs in place before a high tide at about 8 p.m. The four tugs are on scene to assist in refloating the Cape Flattery.

At this point there is no apparent pollution or hull damage. Coast Guard inspectors are currently interviewing the captain and crew and investigating the cause of the accident.

The Coast Guard Cutter Washington remains on scene with the Cape Flattery as a communications platform and to monitor any developments.

The Cape Flattery is a 555-foot bulk carrier, registered in Hong Kong, is managed by Pacific Basin Shipping HK Ltd. The ship is carrying cement and about 117,000 gallons of fuel oil and lubricants.