Updated at 7:03 p.m., Sunday, August 26, 2007
Coast Guard sends cutter to deal with Superferry protesters
Advertiser Staff
The U.S. Coast Guard said today that it has dispatched one of its cutters to Nawiliwili Harbor, where protesters have blocked the arrival of the Hawaii Superferry at Kaua'i.Coast Guard spokesman Mike DeNyse said the Coast Guard also has sent a 25-foot inflatable boat to respond to protesters.
The Hawaii Superferry's 350-foot vessel the Alakai was approaching the harbor about 6 p.m. today when it was turned away by the Coast Guard due to hundreds of protesters at the site.
About 500 passengers remain stranded on the Alakai, which embarked on its maiden voyage from Honolulu to Kahului earlier today.
"The Superferry is in limbo right now. It's not being allowed in port," said DeNyse.
"Right now we're ensuring that everyone is safe right now."
