The Coast Guard and Washington Dept. of Ecology are responding to a potential environmental hazard involving a sunken 200-foot section of dry dock that contained the 140-foot tug Invader, at the Vigor Marine Shipyard in Everett, Wash., Sunday.
The dry dock began sinking on Saturday evening and stopped at approximately 12 p.m., Sunday, after making contact with the sea floor. Both the dry dock and the Invader are partially submerged, with the Invader capsized on its starboard side. There is also paint, scissor lifts, and a propane fork lift on the dry dock. The cause for the sinking has not been determined.
The owner of the Invader has confirmed that an estimated 50,000-60,000 gallons of diesel is contained in the vessel’s fuel tanks.
Boom has been deployed around the perimeter of the dry dock and the tug to prevent the spreading of any potential leakage. A light sheen has been observed due to residual sources.
A salvage company is on scene and is currently conducting an assessment dive and plugging the tug’s vents.
The Coast Guard and Ecology will continue to monitor the salvage operation to ensure its conducted safely and with minimal impact on the marine environment.
[mappress]
Source: USCG, March 19, 2012