  |
|
|
Department of Ecology News Release - September 7, 2009
09-220
OLYMPIA – The salvage of a submerged 38-foot power boat near Oak Harbor continues today after stormy seas prevented activity on Sunday.
The vessel began sinking late Saturday morning. A Good Samaritan rescued two passengers from the water and brought them to emergency responders on shore.
Although no fuel has been reported in the water, the vessel's fuel tanks may contain an estimated 275 gallons of diesel.
Today, responders led by the Washington Department of Ecology will work to re-float the boat and tow it to shore where it can be removed from the water. Oak Harbor Marina, Oak Harbor Fire, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island are assisting in the response.
Although no fuel spill is expected from the craft, responders are deploying an oil spill containment curtain as a precaution to protect a sensitive marsh near the marina.
Responders continue to investigate the cause of the incident.
###
Previous news release: http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/21/320937/ (U.S. Coast Guard)
Media contact: Sandy Howard, Ecology media relations, 360-791-3177
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
