News/Photo Release: 65-foot tug boat sinks at mooring in Duwamish River

SEATTLE - The 65-foot tug boat Island Wind belonging to Island Tug and Barge sits submerged at its dock in the west waterway of the Duwamish River, north of the Southwest Spokane St. Bridge here, Feb. 28, 2010. Investigators determined the bow of the tug boat became wedged beneath the dock at low tide, causing it to take on water and sink as the tide rose. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

SEATTLE – A 65-foot tug boat belonging to Island Tug and Barge sank while moored to a dock in the west waterway of the Duwamish River, north of the Southwest Spokane St. Bridge here, Sunday.

Investigators determined that the bow of the tug boat Island Wind became wedged beneath the dock at low tide, causing it to take on water as the tide rose and sink at approximately 6 a.m. Sunday.

The Island Wind has approximately 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board and approximately 400 gallons of lube oil. Containment boom and oil absorbents have been applied to the area around the tug.

Approximately 20 gallons of bilge water, a mixture of water and lube oil from the vessel’s engine compartment has entered the water.

Divers are working to prevent further release of pollutants from the vessel into the water.

A salvage plan is being developed.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Seattle, Washington Department of Ecology, and local diving and salvage resources have responded to the scene to ensure minimal environmental impact.

Boaters should proceed with caution in the waterway surrounding Island Tug and Barge pier.

Contacts:

U.S. Coast Guard: Lt. Cmdr. R. Walls (206) 913-7445 or Joint Harbor Operations Center (206) 217-6002

Washington Department of Ecology: Cathy Cochrane, Communications, (360) 701-7401

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