A large floating container, possibly made of metal, has been spotted off of windward Oahu.

The debris poses a hazard to other boats and if it washes up on shore, could damage coral reef or introduce invasive species, according to a press release from Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

The container is approximately 20-feet long, 8-feet wide and 8-feet high and painted light blue. It’s not clear if it’s debris from the Japanese tsunami. 

The public is asked to contact DLNR if they sight the container. Phone: 808-587-0400; Email: dlnr.marine.debris@hawaii.gov or disasterdebris@noaa.gov.

From DLNR: 

The first sighting of the container was reported on Saturday, May 18, 21 nautical miles off Ilio Point, Molokai. On Sunday, May 19, another party reported seeing it about 30 miles from the head buoy at Kaneohe. On Tuesday, May 21, another report came in that it was sighted somewhere near MM FAD buoy off windward Oahu; however, no new sightings have since been reported. 

Considering prevailing winds and currents, it could either move toward the windward Oahu shoreline or in a more westerly direction, possibly passing north of Oahu instead. Exactly where it will float to and when is very difficult to accurately predict. 

(Photo: DLNR)

— Sophie Cocke