The Solomon Islands did not allow a U.S. Coast Guard ship into its port, Stars and Stripes reports.

Coast Guard spokeswoman in Honolulu Lt. Christine Kam clarified that the island nation's government did not respond to the U.S. government's request for diplomatic clearance for the ship to refuel and provide food in Honiara.

The U.S. vessel was diverted to Papua New Guinea, she said.

Kam added that the U.S. State Department is in contact with Solomon Islands authorities and expects them to clarify the situation.

It is known that the British patrol ship Spey was also denied entry to the port.