UPDATE 7: Unified Command continues response to pollution incident off San Juan Island

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest Contact: 13th District Public Affairs Office: (206) 220-7237 After Hours: (206) 251-3237 13th District online newsroom

UPDATE 7: Unified Command continues response to pollution incident off San Juan Island

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SEATTLE — The Unified Command continues its response Monday following the sinking of a commercial fishing vessel resulting in a pollution incident west of San Juan Island, Washington.

Over the weekend, crews on the water and in the air monitored the site for any changes.

Daily overflights have shown the amount of sheening remains minimal. This sheening is originating from periodic venting of diesel from the fuel tanks. Crews added absorbent boom to ensure environmentally sensitive areas are protected in case any sheening moves closer to land. An additional 1,500-feet of boom has been laid along both sides of White Point Peninsula. The total amount of boom laid down is now at 4,300-feet.

A barge and crane are being transported from Seattle to San Juan Island to assist in raising the vessel. Additionally, due to the depth of the wreck, divers are required to use specialized gas mixtures which are currently being produced. Once mixed, the gas must settle and be tested for proportionality, and then shipped to the San Juan Island team. The crane, barge, and gas mixture are estimated to arrive later this week. Once received, removal operations will begin.

Cross border training with Canada’s Marine Mammal Unit is scheduled for Thursday. This team will be utilized in deterring marine wildlife from the area should the need arise. Canadian crews will also assist with by providing overflights of the spill area on Tuesday and Thursday.

Crews continue to monitor the sunken vessel and Coast Guard Cutter Wahoo is scheduled to remain on scene to assist as needed. To ensure a safe work environment, safety zones extend 1,000 yards around all responding boats. Crews on scene can be contacted directly on VHF marine-band radio channel 16.

An incident-specific webpage has been created by the Washington Department of Ecology. Additional photos of the response can be found on Flickr. Developing updates will also be posted periodically on the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest social media accounts listed below. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USCGPNW

Twitter: https://twitter.com/USCGPacificNW

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uscgpacificnw/

-USCG-