By Karen Robes Meeks
Crews on Sunday continued working to tow away the 79-foot fishing vessel Pacific Paradise grounded at a reef off Waikiki’s Kaimana Beach.
The operation hit a snag when fuel made contact with hot surfaces and caught fire. Salvage crews had to be evacuated and the Hawaii Fire Department put out the blaze.
About two-thirds of the fuel had been removed along with the marine batteries, leaving up to 1,500 gallons aboard prior to the release of about 200 gallons of diesel fuel, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Officials are asking the public to steer clear of the vessel and have placed a safety zone around the affected area.
Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department crews rescued Pacific Paradise’s master and 19 fishermen last week after it ran aground off Diamond Head near Kaimana Beach, the cause of which is still being investigated.
