They guessed that the source of these damages were the result of the weighted lobster traps which rolled around in the surf before being recovered. It is critical for the success of these remote refuges to remain isolated from human presence. According to another report filed by DLNR wildlife officials, the reason the boat wasn't pulled off the reef was because the ship's owner did not allow government responders to remove the ship immediately after it ran aground. Once the ship broke apart, removal became impossible. It was also reported that the ship's owner did not have enough insurance to cover the cost of salvage and removal.
Shipwrecks are a concern for all the atolls in the northwestern chain.
Kure has a long history of shipwrecks, the first of many took place in 1837. On Wednesday, October 4, coral biologists from the Rapture are planning to conduct a follow up survey dive of the wreck to look for any continuing damage to marine life. If the dive occurs, a follow up news report will follow. All rights reserved. All media are for the personal use of students, scholars and the public.