Senator Kai Kahele contacted the National Transportation Safety Board after Monday’s loss of at least 21 containers from a Young Brothers barge bound for Hilo. The NTSB reported that damages from the incident are more than $500,000, and the Coast Guard has declared it a major marine casualty. The NTSB will investigate.
The NTSB is an independent government investigative agency responsibile for civil transportation accident investigation–including not just aviation but also ship and marine accidents, among other things.
Sen. Kahale shared the note he received from the NTSB:
Senator Kahele –
The National Transportation Safety Board is opening an investigation into the loss of 21 shipping containers on Monday from the tug HOKU-LOA and its tow (barge HO OMAKA HOU) while transiting from Honolulu to Hilo Harbor. Since damages from this accident are estimated to exceed $500,000, the US Coast Guard has declared this to be a major marine casualty. NTSB will be investigating this accident in conjunction with the Coast Guard and will establish a probable cause. Typically, NTSB investigations take 12-18 months to complete.
In light of your interest in this accident, we will provide you with updates on the investigation as they become available. In the meanwhile, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like more information about NTSB’s investigation.
National Transportation Safety Board
Kahele said on Monday he was also asking for a State Legislative investigation. Young Brothers is asking the State for $25 in Federal CARES funds to cover their shortfalls caused by the pandemic. Click here for a previous story.
Posted on Sen. Kahale’s Facebook page:
Sen. Kai Kahele:
All photos courtesy State Sen. Kai Kahele
