A vessel sank at the Bremerton Marina on September 17, releasing an unknown quantity of diesel fuel and about 200 gallons of lube oil into the water. In response, a unified command has been established by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Washington Department of Ecology to manage the spill.
Cleanup and Containment Efforts
Initial response efforts included placing absorbent pads and a containment boom around the vessel. Additional equipment, such as skimmers and vacuum trucks, has been used to recover the oil as tides have shifted. As of September 20, responders had collected approximately 5,000 gallons of an oil-water mixture, with about 2,500 gallons identified as oil. A separate update from September 22 stated that approximately 7,500 gallons of oily water mix have been recovered. Divers were also deployed to survey the sunken vessel and have successfully recovered about 900 gallons of diesel and oil from its tanks.
Safety and Environmental Measures
A safety zone has been established from the Manette Bridge to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal, and non-commercial vessels are advised to avoid the area. The Port of Bremerton has closed the marina to public fishing as a precaution. So far, there have been no reports of oiled wildlife, but the public is urged to report any sightings to a dedicated hotline. Two Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Teams (SCAT) are inspecting nearby shorelines for any signs of oil.
Next Steps
The cause of the sinking is still under investigation. A salvage plan is being developed to raise the vessel from the water. Officials have stressed that only trained response contractors should be on site to ensure a safe and effective cleanup.
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Source: Marine Insight
