KAILUA-KONA — While much of the salvage operation to clean up the wrecked Spirit of Kona is completed, work still remains, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources reports. ADVERTISING KAILUA-KONA — While much of the salvage operation to
KAILUA-KONA — While much of the salvage operation to clean up the wrecked Spirit of Kona is completed, work still remains, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources reports.
The vessel ran aground and sank July 24 near Kukailimoku Point in Kailua-Kona during Tropical Storm Darby. The tour boat broke free of its mooring in Kailua Bay, and while it was on the rocks, much of the vessel was shredded, scattering debris along the coastline.
The hull drifted offshore and sank in about 20 feet of water.
As of Tuesday, the DLNR reported the shoreline debris was cleaned up. About a quarter of the hull remains on the ocean floor. Removal is estimated to take another 10 to 12 days.
“The salvor is working with a local recycling company to remove the recovered hull debris to shoreside disposal at Honokohau Harbor,” the department’s public information office said.
The rest of the vessel will not see the light of day.
“All recoverable hazardous material was removed before a large intact piece of submerged hull was towed out to sea and disposed of last week, with cooperation of the EPA, Coast Guard and state,” DLNR wrote in an email.
The U.S. Coast Guard investigation into the accident is ongoing, said Petty Officer Melissa McKenzie. The agency is in part awaiting for the recovery of more material, she said.
Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.
