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.
On September 9, the 83 meter long, 1400 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Salish ran aground in Admiralty Bay near the port of Keystone, Washington. The ferry had departed from Port Townsend bound for Keystone when it grounded in the harbor. The Salish was able to free itself, but the ferry had sustained damage. Divers were dispatched and found the Salish had sustained rudder damage. No reports of injuries to passengers or crew. The Salish was taken out of service and tugs escorted the ferry to Port Townsend where it will undergo repairs.
On January 31, the 87 foot long fishing vessel Sunnfjord sank off Cape Alava, Washington. The Sunnfjord had suffered water ingress and the vessel’s pumps had failed. Unable to control the flooding, the crew contacted the Coast Guard for assistance. The Coast Guard dispatched several cutters, motor lifeboats and a helicopter to scene. Rescuers arrived on scene and first attempted to pass over dewatering pumps to the Sunnfjord. The pumps were unable to stop the flooding and the five crew abandoned ship. The crew were rescued before the Sunnfjord sank in 300 feet of water. No reports of injuries. The Sunnfjord had some 800 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking.
