On February 3, the 64 foot long tugboat Fishhawk went aground in the Sinclair Inlet near Port Orchard, Washington. The Fishhawk had been berthed at a nearby marina when 40 knot winds and 3 foot waves broke its mooring lines. Winds blew the vessel along the shoreline until it grounded on a sandbank. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The Fishhawk’s owners have stated the vessel would be refloated on the next high tide.
The 140 meter long, 1393 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Tacoma became disabled in the middle of Pudget Sound while en route to Bainbridge Island, Washington. The Tacoma was on a regular scheduled voyage between Seattle and Bainbridge with 405 passengers and 138 cars when it suffered a power blackout and lost propulsion. The ferry dropped anchor and contacted the Coast Guard. Two tugs were dispatched to the scene. The tugs towed the ferry to Bainbridge Island where passengers and vehicles disembarked. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. Tugs will tow the ferry to a repair dock to determine the cause of the source of the power blackout.
The 167 foot long fishing vessel Helena Star sank in the Hylebos Waterway, Puget Sound, Washington. The fishing vessel sank by the bow leaving just the stern out of the water. The nearby 130 foot fishing vessel Golden West also began to list, but remain afloat. The two vessel had been moored together in their berths. Authorities have placed a containment boom around the Helena Star after a light sheen was spotted. Over 20,000 gallons of fuel was pumped off the vessels several month ago so neither vessel is a major threat of pollution. Authorities have stated salvage of both vessels will exceed $1 million dollars. Currently, there is only $40,000 dollars set aside to remove the vessels. Both the Helena Star and Golden West were slated to be dismantled.
