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USCG, authorities respond to vessel taking on water in American Samoa
HONOLULU—The U.S. Coast Guard and American Samoa authorities are responding to a report of a passenger-ferry taking on water in Pago Pago last Saturday.
Members of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment are working with American Samoa authorities and salvors to address the situation. The vessel is currently moored to the main pier and attended by a tugboat.
“This is unexpected and unfortunate,” said Cmdr. Patrick Gallagher, chief of response for Sector Honolulu. “Our mission is to protect people and the environment. No one was aboard the vessel and containment boom has been deployed to address any sheen as work continues to stabilize the vessel and remedy the situation.”
At 1:30pm Saturday, Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report that the vessel Sili was taking on water at the main pier in Pago Pago. MSD American Samoa personnel responded alongside local authorities and members of SOLAR, an oil spill response organization. They deployed a containment boom around the vessel.
All compartments are sealed, and power is secured. There are no passengers or crew aboard. The maximum pollution potential is reportedly 9,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 2,000 gallons of lube oil. There is no effect from the weather at this time. The cause of the flooding is under investigation. (USCG)
