PORT ANGELES — A 685-foot military cargo vessel anchored safely in Port Angeles Harbor after it lost propulsion and was cast adrift for about an hour early Sunday at the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The U.S. Military Sealift Command-contracted ship, SS Cape Island, was headed westbound into the Pacific off Cape Flattery when the vessel, maintained by Crowley Maritime Services, reported a loss of propulsion to the U.S. Coast Guard at 5:12 a.m.
The state Department of Ecology and Coast Guard said the ship posed the risk of an oil spill, and dispatched the Delta Lindsey, an industry-funded emergency-response tug stationed at Neah Bay
The tug reached the Cape Island at approximately 5:30 a.m. to assist the vessel, and the Coast Guard ordered the ship to proceed to Port Angeles for survey and repairs as needed.
The tug was recalled after the Cape Island regained propulsion at 5:42 a.m.
The Coast Guard also ordered the vessel to ensure that its positioning beacon — which operated intermittently Sunday — was in full working order.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
