M/V Kimton: A Case Study of The U. S. Coast Guard's Abandoned Vessel Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT In June of 2000, U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office (MSO) San Juan conducted the Annual Abandoned Vessel Inventory and noticed an abandoned vessel grounded on a beach in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Personal investigation revealed that the vessel held approximately 5,000 gallons of waste oil in the engine room, posing a pollution threat to the local public. In a thorough attempt to identify the owner, the MSO used the knowledge of local fishermen, the marine police and Department of Natural Resource. When the owner could not be identified, the Captain of the Port decided to use the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to remove the threat of an oil discharge. Upon discovering that five marine batteries and filters had been hidden on board the vessel, it was determined that it was likely being used as a waste dumpsite. If it was indeed a dumpsite, the Coast Guard would then take control of the vessel, initiate salvage operations, and remove it from its location. Local contractors were hired in the first successful oil removal attempt, lasting two days. In April of 2001, the re-assessment was conducted and an additional 5,000 gallons of waste oil was again discovered on the vessel, confirming the belief that it was a dumpsite. A more in depth assessment was conducted, and another 10,000 gallons of fuel oil was discovered in the wing tanks. The second project commenced with a local environmental contractor hired to remove the 15,000 gallons of oil. Then a salvage contractor was hired to mechanically cut the vessel into scrap for disposal. During this time over 300 lbs. of commercial grade C-4 explosives and detonation cord were discovered in a hidden compartment in the aft end of the vessel. The total cost to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund was approximately $700,000.00 and over 2,000 man-hours were spent to complete the project. This three month long abandoned vessel removal is considered an important success for several reasons. Not only did the Coast Guard remove a major pollution threat from the environment, but the municipality has also renovated the beachfront area and installed a boardwalk for public access.