Hawaiian Sensitivity Complicates Recovery Procedures

A P-8 Poseidon's impromptu swim into the ocean outside of Kaneohe Bay remains a political hot potato for Naval personnel, thanks to the state's strident environmentalism.

The Poseidon remains in its resting place in Kanehoe, a highly sensitive ecosystem with a number of old-growth coral reefs and breeding grounds for sharks and fish. In the immediate aftermath of the November 20th crash, naval personnel placed a series of barriers to hopefully contain any pollutants and fuel from escaping the vicinity, in addition to a skimmer on station to remove any flare-ups or oil slicks.

At the moment, the Navy has not clarified which substrate the aircraft lies on - if fortunate, the Poseidon only damaged plentiful sandy seabed, but at worst it undid years and centuries of irreplaceable, endangered growth. The most recent activity surrounding the Poseidon saw sailors retrieving the flight data recorder, capping off their visit with a hydrographic survey to assess the aircraft's structural integrity. Ideally, the hulk can be raised and removed in one piece, with minimal spillage once it's moved. If not...things could get costly in a hurry when the Navy finds itself on the hook for some considerably expensive Hawaiian wildlife.

FMI: www.navy.mil