USCG Investigates Vessel in Hawaii

U.S. Coast Guard personnel are investigating the cargo onboard an Antigua Barbudan flagged vessel that requested to moor in Honolulu on last week. The 400-ft. freight vessel, BBC China, was reportedly behind schedule for its delivery to Portland, Ore. when it requested to enter the port without the required 96-hour advance notice. The vessel plans to ship the cargo by air. The vessel was granted permission to enter the port by the CG Captain of the Port, but standard procedures for failing to give advance notice then required the ship to be boarded and escorted. Subsequently, fellow Department of Homeland Security officials from the Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement interviewed the crew. Based on information received from a single crewmember regarding a potentially hazardous cargo, a review of the cargo manifest and shipboard examination of the cargo is being conducted with the assistance of the Hawaii Department of Health. Though the crewmember later recanted his story, officials are conducting a thorough review to ensure any contents do not pose a threat to the Port of Honolulu or the State of Hawaii. (HK Law)