Correction- Coast Guard and State monitors tow of barge near Cape Flattery, Wash.

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District

DHS USCG BANNER

Press Release

Date: Sept. 9, 2005
Contact: Lt. Christine Fern

(206) 217-6065

Department of Ecology

Caitlin Cormier

(360) 407-6149

CORRECTION- COAST GUARD AND STATE MONITORS

TOW OF BARGE NEAR CAPE FLATTERY, WASH.

SEATTLE - The Coast Guard is monitoring the tow of a 350-foot timber barge that separated from the tug Sea Commander in severe weather at approximately 10:30 p.m., last night near Barkley Sound, British Columbia.

The barge has been taken in tow by the tug Sea Commander at 12:25 p.m., and plans to tow it to an achorage near Barkley Sound. The tug Hunter is expected to arrive by 1 p.m., to provide additional support.

The barge has not sustained any known damage and there is no pollution threat from the 3,000 gallon tank used to fuel onboard machinery.

The state Department of Ecology and Coast Guard has identified resources at risk and has prepared a plan should spill response be necessary.

The barge Swiftsure Prince was adrift and is 5.5 miles northwest of Cape Flattery. The tug Sea Commander and a Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Neah Bay, Wash., arrived at about 11 a.m.

An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Guard Group/Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., was also launched to monitor the situation.

The Coast Guard continues to coordinate with the vessel owners, Washington State Department of Ecology, managers of the National Marine Sancutiary and tribal representatives.

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.

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