The cargo was lost from the Ho Omaka Hou barge as the Hoku Loa tug was transiting to Hilo Harbor with his barge.

The number of lost containers currently stands at 21. Nine of those were found while twelve are still missing.

“The Coast Guard is investigating the incident, and Young Brothers is working with a salvage team to locate and recover as many containers as possible. No injuries are reported,” the USCG said in a statement.

After mooring at Hilo, the tug and barge crew Ho Omaka Hou recognized the containers were missing. Containers are currently floating about 8 miles north of Hilo, and one is confirmed to be drifted into Hilo Harbor.

The USCG added that watchstanders issued a broadcast notice to mariners to alert any traffic in the area to maintain a sharp lookout for any containers that could pose a navigational hazard.

The Coast Guard is working with staff from Young Brothers to further assess the situation, including determining which cargo is lost and on the investigation.

Maritime Business World