On the evening of Thursday, December 13, 2001, the fishing vessel, DEEP PACIFIC, reported a main generator failure en route from Dutch Harbor to Seattle via Canada's Tofino Vessel Traffic Service. The vessel's diesel fuel supply was reportedly contaminated with water, putting the ship's propulsion in jeopardy as well. The 40-meter (130-foot), 140-gross ton ship built in 1981, was hove-to near latitude 48-36' north, longitude 125-26' west (about 13 miles southwest of Cape Beale, Vancouver Island). The incident occurred during a storm packing 50 to 55 knot sustained winds, gusts of up to 70 knots, and 6- to 8-meter (22- to 26-foot) seas. There were nine people aboard, and the vessel was carrying about 5,000 gallons of fuel.
Chart section showing approximate position of the DEEP
PACIFIC when help was requested, and the location where the DEEP PACIFIC came
under the escort of the BARBARA FOSS.
Select to enlarge.
Tofino Traffic contacted the U.S. Coast Guard's Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service regarding the incident at 2015, and advised that the DEEP PACIFIC would need assistance from the State-funded rescue tug stationed at Neah Bay, BARBARA FOSS, if repairs could not be made. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter SHERMAN was diverted to stand by the DEEP PACIFIC until the rescue tug arrived. The BARBARA FOSS was released from standby duty at Neah Bay by Ecology at 2230 and immediately got underway .
Once the BARBARA FOSS was underway, the DEEP PACIFIC turned and ran before the seas for the relative protection of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and rendezvous with the rescue tug. The BARBARA FOSS proceeded west from Neah Bay, Washington, fighting high head winds and seas en route to the DEEP PACIFIC.
At 2301 the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port issued an order requiring the DEEP PACIFIC to be escorted to Neah Bay by the tug and remain there until a transit plan had been submitted to the Coast Guard.
The BARBARA FOSS intercepted the DEEP PACIFIC at 0040 (December 14th) near Buoy "J" at the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The DEEP PACIFIC was able to maintain propulsion and proceeded under escort from the BARBARA FOSS. Due to concern with maneuvering room in Neah Bay while contending with propulsion difficulties, the DEEP PACIFIC diverted to Port Angeles (with Coast Guard approval), arriving there at 0815.
Once at Port Angeles harbor, the ship slowed and subsequently lost propulsion. The BARBARA FOSS assisted the ship to the berth. Winds were still 40 to 50 knots when the BARBARA FOSS departed for Neah Bay.
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