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.
On December 20, the 80 foot long, 63 ton schooner Nina Otaki ran aground in Discovery Bay on Beckett Point, Washington. The schooner had been at anchor when it was blown ashore by strong winds and driven up onto the rocky beach. No reports of injuries. The Coast Guard responded and dispatched a team to remove fuel off the vessel. Reports state the vessel was still aground several days after the incident.
The Nina Otaki had run aground before off Point Wilson Lighthouse in 2017. The vessel remained on the beach for several days before it was refloated. The vessel is unique as it’s hull is made of iron-reinforced concrete.
The schooner remains aground on the beach. Reports state there is some uncertainty if the Nina Otaki will be pulled off the beach or not. The current owner has not arranged salvage. The vessel may be removed off the beach by order of the Washington DNR.
The 145 foot long fishing vessel Ocean Explorer caught fire while berthed in Seattle, Washington. The fire started below deck spewing out smoke. Several fireboats along with a large response of local fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze a short time later. No reports of injuries. No details on the extent of damage or if any pollution was released.