Hoku-Loa Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On April 6, 2021, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a comprehensive investigation report regarding a significant cargo loss incident involving the barge 'Ho'omaka Hou', which occurred on June 22, 2020. The report highlights that improper stacking practices by Young Brothers led to the unfortunate collapse of 21 containers overboard near Hilo Bay, resulting in an estimated cargo loss of $1.5 million, along with additional costs for damages and container replacements totaling approximately $131,000. The incident unfolded as the barge 'Ho’omaka Hou' was being towed by the tugboat 'Hoku Loa' off the northeastern coast of Hawaii Island, on its way to Hilo. During transit, fifty 40-foot containers that were improperly stacked on the after deck failed, causing a number of them to plummet into the ocean. Salvagers managed to recover eight of these containers, leaving 13 still unaccounted for. The NTSB's investigation identified that a fundamental cause of the stack collapse was the absence of an initial load plan provided to the barge crew, as well as inadequate procedures for monitoring the stack weights. This resulted in what the NTSB described as the “reverse stratification of container stacks,” increasing their vulnerability to the dynamic forces experienced during maritime transit. Ideally, containers should be arranged with heavier loads at the bottom and lighter ones on top, but in this case, the opposite occurred. For those interested in a detailed examination of the investigative findings, the full report is accessible here: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MAB2109.pdf.

On June 30, 2023, the US Coast Guard launched an investigation into the troubling loss of 21 cargo containers from the barge 'Ho Omaka Hou' as it operated off the coast of Hawaii. Following the incident, all remaining cargo was successfully retrieved from the barge, which has since returned to Honolulu for a thorough damage assessment. Currently, 12 of the lost containers are still unaccounted for. Earlier reports indicated that one container was discovered north of Hilo but tragically sank shortly afterwards. Another container made its way ashore at Onomea Beach, where it was later refloated and transported to Hilo Harbor. The remaining containers were successfully recovered and also brought to Hilo Harbor. This incident qualifies as a reportable marine casualty under federal regulations as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations concerning all commercial maritime operations. To ensure compliance, the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the loss, and each agency will release its own report detailing their findings. Young Brothers, the shipping company involved, has been actively cooperating with the Coast Guard and has initiated an independent investigation to uncover the root causes of the incident.

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to address the unfortunate incident involving container loss from the 'Ho'Omaka Hou', which was en route to Hilo Harbor on June 22. A salvage operation led by Cates Marine, contracted by the shipping company, is actively searching for the lost containers. So far, two containers have been successfully retrieved and secured at Hilo Harbor, while another two have been located and marked for future recovery. Cates Marine is focused on retrieving the remaining containers from the original cluster of nine, which were discovered approximately eight miles north of Hilo. To facilitate the recovery efforts, a 250-ton crane has been hired from American Marine, set to begin operations to lift the containers from the water in Hilo Harbor tomorrow morning. The salvage plan being developed by Cates Marine, aimed at offloading the barge, will be submitted to the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu for necessary review and approval. The offloading process is anticipated to take several days once it commences. Out of the nine containers, one has been confirmed to contain hazardous materials, specifically small household cleaners and related items, and it remains safely onboard the barge rather than in the water. Currently, twelve containers are still unaccounted for, despite extensive aerial overflights yielding no new findings. The Coast Guard is collaborating closely with Young Brothers to investigate the incident, which has been classified as a reportable marine casualty per the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified and is involved in a supportive capacity, while Young Brothers is also conducting its investigation. As a safety precaution, the Coast Guard has issued a broadcast notice to mariners in the Hilo waters, advising them to exercise heightened caution when navigating the area and to be vigilant for any signs of containers that may pose navigational hazards.