Oil Patch Bits: Foss Maritime to remove grounded fishing boat

Foss announced it has been called in by owners of the Pacific Paradise to remove the fishing vessel grounded off Waikiki, after repeated attempts by commercial salvage companies have failed.

The Pacific Paradise ran aground in shallow water less than 400 yards off Waikiki Oct. 10, and has remained stuck on the reef since then. Several attempts have been made by commercial salvage companies to tow the vessel, and during the latest attempt, the vessel caught fire.

Foss Maritime is working under a plan approved by the United States Coast Guard and state authorities to move the derelict vessel away from the reef to prevent further environmental damage.

“We are preparing to safely move the vessel away from this environmentally sensitive area,” said Michael MacDonald, director of Foss Marine operations and commercial, Hawaii region. “We are thankful that no injuries were sustained and are anxious to move the vessel away from the reef so it will not cause damage or injury to people or marine life.”

Editor’s note: Some of these news items will appear in the next Arctic Oil & Gas Directory, a full color magazine that serves as a marketing tool for Petroleum News’ contracted advertisers. The next edition will be released in March.