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COURTESY DLNR
The Coast Guard has confirmed a large debris field in the Ka Iwi Channel between Oahu and Molokai and is advising mariners to exercise caution. A fisherman first noticed the debris field Saturday and said it contains ropes, nets, buoys and crates.
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The Coast Guard is advising all mariners to exercise caution after a large marine debris field was last observed in the Ka Iwi Channel between Molokai and Oahu.
A fisherman first reported the debris Saturday, which at the time was about 9.5 miles south of Koko Crater and stretched over 2 miles, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The debris was last seen about 12 miles south of Oahu.
The fisherman said the field contained nets, ropes, buoys and crates, according to DLNR.
The Coast Guard confirmed the debris field after passing through it Tuesday night, and broadcast a notice to mariners, advising them to exercise caution.
“Based on our initial observations, this appears to be more of a weed line than a debris field, containing a 40- to 60-foot wooden pole with marine growth, plastic bags, weeds and other assorted debris,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Titchen of the Coast Guard. “Nonetheless, boaters need to be aware of it and avoid it.”
The International Pacific Research Center at the University of Hawaii’s School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology is working with the Coast Guard to track the debris.
DLNR said there’s a possibility the debris could reach the west shore of Molokai.