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Tag: Columbia River

Nova

Nova

On February 27, the 38 foot tugboat Nova sank on the Columbia River near Umatilla, Oregon. The Nova had broken from its mooring by high winds and drifted nearly a mile before it sank just upriver of the McNary Dam.  Authorities were alerted and dispatched a response team to the scene.

Photo: eastoregonian.com

State and Federal authorities found where the Nova had sunk.  Divers inspected the wreck and found a 1 meter gash in the hull.  Fuel vents were closed, but the Nova had already released oil pollution into the water. A light sheen was visible above the sunken tug.  Booms and absorbent pads were used to contain the pollution.

Reports state a barge and crane was dispatched to lift the tug from the river bottom. The Nova was later recovered a few days later and taken to Vancouver. No reports of injuries as no one was on board the Nova at the time of the incident.

Photo: eastoregonian.com
KM London

KM London

KM London
Photo: columbian.com

On December 14, the 199 meter long bulk carrier KM London ran aground on the Columbia River off Crims Island near Longview, Washington. The KM London was headed for Japan with a cargo of wheat when it veered off course and ran aground. The bulker sustained damage to its forepeak and suffered water ingress. The Coast Guard was alerted by the crew of the incident. The Coast Guard dispatched a response team to scene. Aircraft were dispatched and found no oil pollution had been released.

The KM London was refloated by tugs the next day with the high tide. Three tugs escorted the vessel back to Longview where it can be surveyed of damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.

Argent Cosmos

Argent Cosmos

Argent Cosmos
Photo: uscg

The 170 meter long, 33609 dwt tanker Argent Cosmos ran aground on the Columbia River near Skamokawa, Washington. The Argent Cosmos was headed to China from Clatskanie, Oregon with a cargo of 1.6 million gallons of ethanol and 6.6 million gallons of monoethylene glycol when it suffered a mechanical malfunction.

Two tugs were dispatched to assist refloating the tanker on the rising tide. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter to conduct an over flight. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Reports state the Argent Cosmos was refloated and proceeded to Longview for inspection.