September 17, 2008

Department of Ecology News Release

Neah Bay emergency response tug assists fishing vessel

OLYMPIA – Crowley Marine’s Hunter, the state-funded emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay, was dispatched at 12:30 a.m. today to assist a 106-foot fishing vessel after it lost propulsion at sea.

The Papado II was about 27 miles southwest of Cape Flattery when it became disabled. Sea water leaked into the engine room, causing the main engine to become inoperable. Crew stopped the leak and pumped out the water pumped so the vessel was not at risk of sinking, but the vessel could not restart its main propulsion engine. There was no indication of an oil spill.

At the time of the call, there were light southerly winds (approximately 15 knots) with patches of dense fog. The Papado II was in no immediate danger but was drifting at sea. The vessel owner requested a tow back to his homeport at Neah Bay where repairs could be made.

The Hunter and the Papado II arrived safely at Neah Bay at approximately 1 p.m.

A standby emergency response tug has been on station at Neah Bay since spring 1999. The state has directly funded the tug since year 2000. Funding for the tug ends on June 30, 2009.

The tug has stood by or assisted 41 ships that were disabled or had reduced maneuvering or propulsion capability while transporting oil and other cargo along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The actions helped ensure the ships didn't drift onto rocks and spill oil.