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Intoxicated crew responsible for tug accident

Young Brothers was suing the tug boat operator involved in an accident in Nawiliwili Harbor, saying that intoxicated crew members were responsible for the mishap. The negligence, breach of contract and federal maritime law complaint was filed Jan. 7, 2015, in U.S. District Court, District of Hawaii. It alleged crew members of the "Moana Holo" were drunk, which allowed the barge "Makaala" to break free of its tow and run into the breakwater. The "Moana Holo" contracts with Young Brothers through its subsidiary, Hawaiian Tug and Barge. The company could not confirm if the tug was still operational. He could not comment on a pending lawsuit. Young Brothers Vice President Roy Catalani issued a statement on Jan 16, saying the incident was regrettable. He went on to assure businesses and residents who transport cargo on Young Brothers’ barges the incident is an anomaly. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Oct 31, 2014. The tug and barge departed Nawiliwili Harbor with chief mate Elia Long controlling the aft winch that let out the tow wire to the barge, according to the complaint. The winch was not stopped and all the wire rolled off the drum and released the barge from the tow. The entire crew assisted with the attempt to regain control of barge, but the vessels parted before a second line could be secured. Young Brothers was notified of the problem around 8:30 p.m. Both the "Moana Holo" and the "Makaala" impacted the breakwater at the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor around 9 p.m. The tug suffered a breach in the hull and damage to both Nautican nozzles, but remained operational. With the assistance of a second tug, the "Mikiona", the barge was secured, but after suffering extensive hull damage to the stern area, starboard side and bow rake. Young Brothers took precautionary measures to ensure no vessels were lost and contaminants were not released into the ocean, the complaint states. When it was discovered the "Makaala"’s port skeg was lost as a result of the impact with the breakwater, the U.S. Coast Guard closed the port at Nawiliwili because of the potential threat to navigation. The tug crew was ordered to take an alcohol test after the vessels were secured. According to the complaint, the crew did not take the tests as ordered in violation of federal law. The four-count complaint charged negligence against Long for reckless disregard of his duties by consuming alcohol prior to the departure. It also argued Capt. Arthur Takushi knew crew members consumed alcohol and his duty was to cancel a voyage if he believed intoxication of the crew rendered the tug unseaworthy. Takushi was charged with intentional disregard of federal law and company directives and misconduct for impeding an investigation. The suit will list costs and expenses in its charge for punitive damages at trial. Young Brothers, Limited is represented by the Honolulu firm Frame & Nakano. The defendants were served but no representation is filed yet in federal court. A scheduling conference was ordered for Apr 13.

Port of Nawiliwili reopened aftre tug grounding

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port reopened the port of Nawiliwili, Kauai, on Nov 2 after finding no apparent obstructions in the water or hazards to safe navigation. In the evening of Oct 31, the "Moana Holo" and its deck barge "Maka Ala" ran aground near the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor. During dive operations of the barge on Nov 2, a 30- by 15-foot skeg was discovered missing. To ensure the safety of traffic, the Coast Guard closed the port of Nawiliwili.

Skeg of barge missing after tug grounding

The Coast Guard Captain of Nawiliwili closed the port in Kauai on Nov 2, 2014, due to a possible obstruction in the water. On Oct 31 in the vening the "Moana Holo" and its deck barge "Maka Ala" ran aground near the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor. During dive operations of the barge on Nov 2, a 30 by 15 foot skeg was discovered missing. Out of an abundance of caution, the port was closed to all traffic until the fixed extension to the stern of the barge which assists in steering was located. The operating company was working diligently with contractors to locate and mark the skeg.