Panama-flagged bulk carrier Federal Iris suffered an explosion on Thursday, February 22, some 120 miles west of the Columbia River entrance after main diesel engine components malfunctioned onboard.
No crew members, of the 21 sailors onboard, were injured in the localized blast, but the damage rendered the main propulsion system inoperable, the US Coast Guard said.
Before the explosion occurred, the vessel was experiencing some operational difficulties due to a reduction of propulsion issue and an inoperable ballast water treatment system.
The crew of the 2016-built bulk carrier, chartered by Fednav, carried out emergency salvage operations and contracted the crew of the emergency response towing vessel, the Denise Foss, the US Coast Guard added.
The stricken-bulker was taken under town on Friday and the very towing operation is estimated to take around 48 hours to reach Seattle.
The USCG is monitoring the tow and will inspect the vessel to ensure regulatory compliance when it reaches its intended destination.
As informed, the crew was en route from the Port of Changzhou, China, to pick up cargo in Longview, Washington, when the explosion happened.