NOAA Takes Over Removal of Grounded Vessel

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The US Coast Guard has transferred jurisdiction of the salvage operation for the fishing vessel #1 Ji Hyun that has been grounded near Aunuu island since April 15, to NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

The vessel has shifted closer about 30-40  yards closer inland without even being towed,  The high surf action last week was responsible.

Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Brain Anderson reports that the vessel no longer posses a substantial threat to environment  after all of the fuel on board was successfully removed.

He said altogether about 4,000 gallons of fuel was removed from the fishing vessel so the threat of pollution no longer exists.

This is why the Coast Guard has transferred jurisdiction of the removal of the vessel to NOAA.

However the Coast Guard stand ready to provide by assistance if asked by NOAA.

The seas where the boat is grounded is part of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

Anderson estimates that the salvage operations has cost about $150,000.

The Coast Guard Finance Office will assess how much will be recovered from the owner of the vessel.

Chief Warrant Officer Anderson said they would not have been able to get this far with containing the oil pollution threat and coordinating salvage operations had it not been for the great response form local and federal government departments, and private contractors.

He thanked Port Administration, Marine Patrol. EMS, EPA, NOAA, Solar Inc and Atlantic Pacific.

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