News Release: Agencies working to contain spill from sunken vessel south of Alki Point

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard, Wash. Dept. of Ecology and Seattle Fire Dept. are responding to a partially sunk, 73-foot vessel approximately one mile south of Alki Point, Seattle.

Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report of an oil sheen at 8 a.m.

Two 25-foot response boat crews from Coast Guard Station Seattle and the Seattle Fire Boat Leschi are on scene and deploying boom. The Coast Guard Cutter Swordfish is also on scene.

It has been confirmed that no one was on board when the vessel sank. The owner of the vessel has reported there is approximately 300 gallons of diesel and 50 gallons of motor oil on board. There is an approximate 600 by 300-foot sheen on the water.

A sheen of diesel fuel this size will deteriorate as it is exposed to elements and natural wave action, but petroleum spills of any size cause environmental damage to water.

The responsible party has contracted National Response Corp. Environmental Services, which is on scene deploying boom, a skimmer and absorbent pads to contain and absorb the spill. They have also contracted divers to contain potential pollution. As the vessel was sinking, efforts were made by the responsible party to plug the fuel vents to prevent pollution.

Agencies are flying over the scene to survey the spill.

Ecology and the Coast Guard are conducting an investigation into the sinking of the vessel. Ecology and Coast Guard investigators will gather information to determine the volume spilled from the vessel and the circumstances of the sinking.

For more information please contact the 13^th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office at (206) 220-7237; Dept. of Ecology PIO Curt Hart at (360) 407-6990; or Seattle Fire Dept. PIO Helen Fitzpatrick at (206) 386-1463.

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