USCG Monitors Grounded Bulker With Significant Damage For Pollution
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Thirteenth District is monitoring the grounded bulker, which shows significant damage to the vessel’s hull, for pollution.
The USCG assessed the bulker and identified that the hull was seriously damaged. The assessment that got over this morning showed multiple fractures in the hull, most nobly a 25-by-5-foot fracture with a boulder lodged inside. Damage was contained within two flooded compartments.
The 620-foot Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier went aground near the Julie Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge in between Cathlamet and Skamokawa. It is a narrow stretch of the Columbia River, Cathlamet, Washington. T he vessel grounded before laying anchor in 43 feet of water.
The vessel was heading west in the Columbia with a river pilot still on board in the outbound lane when she ran into trouble. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation, but the USCG suggests that she hit a submerged object.
The vessel will be moved to the Port of Longview Wednesday morning, as conditions permit. The USCG along with state pollution responders and a contracted oil spill response organization continue to monitor the vessel for pollution. There are no signs of oil spill during the incident.
“The cooperation between federal and state representatives continues to ensure the safety of the environment and the safety of the crew aboard the motor vessel,” said Capt. Dan Travers, commander of Sector Columbia River, in a release. “Although there has been no pollution aspect to this point, we have prepared and have people in place to respond to the worst-case scenario.”
The river channel is open for traffic.
Source: Coast Guard News
