Vessel that ran aground off shore of Oahu now on fire

HONOLULU – A U.S.-flagged commercial fishing vessel that ran aground off the shore of Waikiki earlier this week is on fire, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports .

Police say the fire on the 79-foot (24-meter) Pacific Paradise was reported about 10 a.m. Saturday.

The Star-Advertiser reports that the Coast Guard has been working to remove pollutants from the vessel, which ran aground on Tuesday.

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Sara Muir said Wednesday that officials were trying to get diesel fuel off the boat, which carries 13,000 gallons (49,210 litres) of gas and hydraulic oils. Muir said there was no sign that any fuel or other hazardous materials had leaked into the water.

The boat’s foreign crew is being held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at Pier 17 in Honolulu because they do not have visas to enter the United States.