A World War II era tugboat sank Wednesday afternoon in a marina in Bremerton, Wash., prompting a coordinated pollution response by federal and state agencies.
The 130' wooden vessel, Dominion, went down around 4 p.m., releasing an unknown amount of diesel fuel and approximately 200 gallons of lube oil into the water. In response, a unified command was established, consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Washington Department of Ecology.
Containment boom and absorbent pads were deployed immediately following the incident. Additional containment was added as tides shifted, and vacuum trucks and skimmers were brought in to recover pollutants.
Divers examined the sunken tug on Thursday and conducted tank soundings to assess remaining onboard fluids.
As of Monday, approximately 7,500 gallons of oily water mix has been recovered. Two layers of containment boom remain around the vessel, and absorbent materials are still being used to manage surface pollution.
The Coast Guard has established a safety zone extending from the Manette Bridge to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal and 200 yards off the marina breakwater. Non-commercial boaters are advised to stay clear of the area.
The Coast Guard said it has accessed the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to support ongoing cleanup operations. The Washington Department of Ecology has deployed two shoreline assessment teams and is monitoring for environmental impacts, including oiled wildlife.
A salvage plan is being developed to raise the Dominion. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
Dominion, originally #LT-366, was launched in 1944 by Grays Harbor Shipbuilding, Hoquiam, Wash., as one of 61 Miki-class WWII tugboats built for the U.S. Army. The tug was in the process of being restored as a training vessel and floating museum.
