130-Foot Tug Sinks In Bremerton Marina, Releasing Thousands Of Gallons Of Diesel & Oil

A 130-foot tugboat, the Dominion, sank at the Bremerton Marina on September 17 around 4 p.m., releasing diesel and lube oil into the waters. The tug reportedly carried an unknown quantity of diesel fuel and about 200 gallons of lube oil when it went down.

In response, the U.S. Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology quickly established a unified command to manage the spill and prevent environmental damage.

Absorbent pads and containment boom were placed around the sunken vessel, and additional equipment, such as skimmers and vacuum trucks, was used to recover oil as tides shifted.

As of Saturday, September 20, responders estimated that approximately 5,000 gallons of oil-water mixture had been collected, with 2,500 gallons identified as oil. Two levels of containment boom remain around the tug, and absorbent pads are still being used to collect any remaining oil.

The Coast Guard has set up a safety zone from the Manette Bridge to the Bremerton Ferry Terminal, 200 yards off the marina breakwater. Non-commercial vessels are advised to avoid the area, and the Coast Guard has deployed a patrol vessel to enforce the zone.

Divers surveyed the sunken tug Dominion to check how much fuel remained in its tanks. By Friday, contractors had recovered about 900 gallons of diesel and oil. In the following days, more small oil leaks were spotted, leading to the use of skimmers and containment measures.

The Washington Department of Ecology has sent two Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Teams (SCAT) to inspect nearby shorelines, including areas from Lions Park to the Manette Bridge. Initial surveys found some weathered oil, but officials said it likely did not come from the Dominion. Further inspections are planned.

No oiled wildlife has been reported so far. The public is urged not to attempt capturing oiled animals. Any sightings should be reported to 1-800-22BIRDS with detailed information.

The Port of Bremerton has closed the marina to public fishing as a precaution. The Coast Guard is using the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to support cleanup and reduce environmental damage.

A salvage plan is being developed to raise the tug. The cause of the sinking is still under investigation. Officials stress that only trained response contractors should be on site, and public volunteers are not needed, as they could interfere with recovery.

References: Department of Ecology, USCG

Source: Maritime Shipping News