The U.S. Coast Guard reported today that Kaua‘i fared the best among the Hawaiian islands after the Japanese tsunami reached the archipelago early this morning. It also said no one was injured or killed by the wave in the state
The U.S. Coast Guard reported today that Kaua‘i fared the best among the Hawaiian islands after the Japanese tsunami reached the archipelago early this morning.
It also said no one was injured or killed by the wave in the state and Guam.
The tsunami warning center ended its advisory for Hawai‘i at 11:26 a.m., urging continued caution among boaters and swimmers due to persisting smaller sea level changes and unusual currents.
During evaluations of the archipelago, Coast Guard personnel did find varying levels of damage, however.
According to a Coast Guard press release, personnel checked Port Allen Harbor, Nawiliwili Harbor, Oahu’s Kelaloa Barbers Point, and Honolulu Harbor for general safety, depth, subsiding surge, lack of debris and aids to navigation. They are now open to maritime traffic.
Damages are as follows:
Kaua‘i
* Significant trash and debris in marinas. No pollution reported.
Oahu
* Significant damages reported at Ke‘ehi Lagoon with approximately 200 vessels impacted. Docks broke free from moorings with multiple boats still attached. Multiple vessels were seen floating free with multiple collisions occurring. One sailing vessel has collided with the Sand Island Bridge. The Lagoon remains hazardous with continual tidal surges and shallow water levels.
* Hale‘iwa Harbor piers destroyed with no vessels damaged.
* Coast Guard and good Samaritans continue to assist numerous recreational vessels disabled and adrift off Oahu.
Maui
* Ma‘alaea Harbor continues to show signs of surge. No pollution reported. Two vessels sunken in harbor with one vessel overturned.
Hawai‘i
* Reports of damage and debris scattered around port.
* Civil Air Patrol currently conducting aerial assessment.
The maritime public is advised to be vigilant when entering ports and harbors and to cooperate with the direction of the Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies, the press release states.
