A salvage contractor was expected to remove a 54-foot fishing vessel this morning after it ran aground 20 feet from the breakwater at Point Panic in Kakaako.

The vessel Logan hit bottom about 6 a.m. yesterday while traveling to Kewalo Basin after unloading its catch at Pier 38, said Deborah Ward, Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman.

She said a contractor would try to remove the vessel during high tide about 3 a.m. today.

Ward said the vessel's owner, Lee and Lee Fishing Inc., reported the boat had rudder problems, causing it to drift out of control.

A Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat and 25-foot response boat responded to monitor the area and ensure safety.

About 600 gallons of marine diesel fuel were taken off the boat, which did not pose a threat to the environment, the Coast Guard said.

Coast Guard officials set up a 75-yard safety zone around the vessel, restricting mariners and recreational ocean users from the area until the boat is removed, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael De Nyse.

The channel to Kewalo Basin remained open for vessel traffic, he said.

Ward said calm seas limited damage caused by the vessel. The state will investigate the accident.