On the afternoon of December 17, a barge sank on the Snohomish River near Everett, Washington. The barge was being positioned by the 8 meter long tugboat McCarver (MMSI: 338483259) when it suffered uncontrolled water ingress. The barge would partially sink as the river low water levels along with another tugboat stabilized the barge.
Reports state the barge will have some 300 gallons of fuel removed along with equipment of its deck before the barge will be raised. Washington authorities have not disclosed the cause of the incident.
On the morning of November 16, the fishing vessel Abby C sank in the Pacific Ocean near Grays Harbor, Washington. The Abby C had sent out a distress call that the fishing vessel was sinking. The United States Coast Guard received the call and started a search and rescue operation. A helicopter was launched and directed to the last known coordinates of the Abby C. Another fishing vessel some 20 miles away, the Lady Nancy, also heard the distress call and joined the search and rescue operation.
With rough conditions with swells reaching 14 feet, the Abby C crew abandoned ship into the life raft. Two crew were able to get inside the life raft with 2 others in the water holding on to a survival suit. Fortunately, the crew of the Abby C would be spotted by the Lady Nancy. The Lady Nancy would pull the men out of the water just as one crew member had fallen unconscious and let go of the survival suit. One of the Lady Nancy crew donned a survival suit and jumped into the sea. He would be able to grab hold of the unconscious crew member and get him onto the vessel. The Lady Nancy crew would perform CPR with success.
Photo: facebook
The Coast Guard helicopter arrived a short time later and hoisted all four survivors to safety. They would be taken to Hoquiam where they received medical treatment for hypothermia. Initial investigation has stated the Abby C had been struck by a large wave right after the distress call which swamped the vessel. The four crew just had enough time to evacuate into the sea before the vessel sank.
On October 27, reports state the fishing vessel Nora ran aground in Miller Bay near Indianola, Washington. The Nora had been at anchor when it broke free of its anchor and went ashore. The vessel had some 2,000 to 3,000 gallons of fuel and petroleum products on board the vessel when it grounded. Authorities from multiple state and federal agencies responded to the scene. Local authorities were able to secure the vessel with stern anchor lines to prevent the Nora from drifting further ashore or damage nearby seawalls. A salvage company was hired to remove the fuel and oil products. Officials will monitor for any pollution releases. There were no reports of individuals on board the Nora and no injuries from the incident.
Photo: Suquamish Police Department
Photo: Suquamish Police Department
Photo: Suquamish Police Department
News accounts state the Nora as a derelict and authorities were determining the owner of the fishing vessel. It was not clear when the Nora would be removed off the shoreline and if the vessel would be salvaged or just scrapped.
