The owner of a longline vessel stuck on an American Samoan reef cannot pay for its removal.
The company involved is bankrupt.
The Seahawk ran aground just off Pago Pago International Airport nearly 2 months ago.
The more than 1000 litres of fuel on board the vessel was successfully pumped off.
Local authorities who have been involved in salvage operations say it is now unknown who will pay for removal of the vessel.
The Territory's government is investigating whether the owners have other assets that can be sold to pay for the removal.
Seahawk 68, grounded on the reef just outside of American Samoa Photo: US Coast Guard