The 125 foot long research vessel Hero sank near Willapa Bay at its berth in Bay Center, Washington.  The Coast Guard was notified that the vessel had partially sank and a light sheen of pollution was visible.

Authorities dispatched a response team to the scene and deployed booms and absorbent pads to collect and contain the pollution. No reports of injuries.

The Coast Guard has contracted a salvage company to remove the remaining oil and fuel from the vessel.  The operation shall be paid using the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.