Salvage operation begins on fishing vessel aground near Cocos Island

COCOS ISLAND, Guam—As of Aug. 27, 2014, Guam Environmental Protection Agency, vessel owner’s representative, and U.S. Coast Guard Federal On-scene Coordinator reviewed the response and salvage plan and personnel have begun the process of removing the vessel from the reef.

The salvage process will involve cutting the vessel into pieces at its current location. Pieces will be removed from the site by barges designed to operate in shallow water. These barges are instrumental to the operation because the depth of water is too shallow for larger draft vessels to safely make it to the location. A channel has been marked for response vessels in order to keep them clear of environmentally sensitive areas during lower tides.

Guam EPA has worked closely with the vessel’s representative and USCG FOSC to ensure that salvage operations do not endanger the environment. Strategies were put into place to mitigate environmental hazards, such as the transit channel and the plan to deal with any residual oil that may remain in the engine or auxiliary equipment onboard the vessel. Representatives for both the USCG FOSC and Guam EPA have continued their presence on-scene to monitor the progress of operations, ensure compliance with applicable local and federal laws, as well as the safety of personnel and the environment. The vessel owner’s representative, Cabras Island Marine Services, has been a key player in the response. CIMS has acquired the necessary contract companies to provide personnel and equipment to respond, adjusted plans to meet the requirements outlined by both Guam EPA and USCG FOSC, and engaged community officials to advise them of operational milestones.

Many actions have taken place since the vessel went aground on July 30, 2014. Actions include the removal of the hazardous liquids and batteries from the vessel, site assessment to formulate salvage plan and develop strategies to mitigate environmental hazards, establishment of a safety zone to protect the public for dangers associated with the grounded vessel, and review of the response and salvage plan for safely removing the vessel from the reef.

Citizens are reminded that the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Guam has established a 400-yard safety zone around the grounded vessel. (USCG)