Divers have started removing sunken and damaged boats from Lahaina Harbor following the Aug. 8 wildfire, the U.S. Coast Guard said Wednesday.

The operation is part of a long-term effort to restore Lahaina Harbor and the surrounding waterways. It’s overseen by the U.S. Coast Guard Western Maui Wildfire Emergency Support Function No. 10 Unified Command, which includes the Coast Guard, state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the state Department of Health.

The Unified Command and the primary contractor, Global Diving & Salvage, are working to recover and remove vessels in the vicinity of the harbor.

“The response teams have carefully planned this operation, and a mission priority is preservation of the marine ecosystem,” a Coast Guard news release said. “The teams also have cultural and archaeological monitors advising on the recovery of vessels and debris in this historic area.”

Late last month, the Unified Command and Global Diving and Salvage began removing pollution and hazardous materials from the harbor. To date, they have removed more than 2,350 gallons of petroleum products; 200 pounds of hazardous materials, including batteries; and eight vessels.

The recovered vessels have been relocated to a nearby parking lot, designated as a temporary staging area. Owners will be notified when their boat has been recovered. The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation is the main contact, and the Unified Command is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for final disposition of the boats.

The Coast Guard met virtually with boat owners on Sept. 28 to provide an update on operations, answer questions and explain the extent of the work completed.

Owners and operators of impacted vessels can contact the Harbor Coordination Group created by the Unified Command at D14-DG-SH-SecHono-MTSRU@uscg.mil.