PORT ANGELES — A Navy reserve vessel parked in Port Angeles Harbor after breaking down in the Strait of Juan de Fuca has departed but not under its own steam.
The SS Cape Intrepid left the harbor under tow at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday.
“While replacement parts are carried onboard the vessel, given the scope of repairs, the vessel is being towed back to its homeport in Tacoma, where additional marine mechanical support personnel are available,” said Kim Strong, spokeswoman for the U.S. Transportation Command.
The Transportation Command works with the U.S. Department of Transportation, which maintains and operates the ready reserve fleet.
The 685-foot Cape Intrepid was undergoing sea trials after a long period docked in Tacoma when it lost power about 2:30 a.m. Saturday north of Clallam Bay.
“The Cape Intrepid experienced a material failure that prevented propulsion plant operation,” Strong said.
Coast Guard officials said it drifted more than 3 miles before the emergency tug Jeffrey Foss reached it approximately two hours after the crew reported the emergency.
The ship was towed to Port Angeles, where it remained anchored in the harbor from Saturday until Tuesday morning.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
