An upgraded Barbara Foss has returned to rescue duty at the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
In response to concerns over the tugboat’s ability to assist with oil spill cleanup, the vessel has been outfitted with a new skimmer and 1,000 feet more of containment boom, state Department of Ecology spokeswoman Sandy Howard said Monday. The tugboat has a total of 3,600 feet of boom.
The Barbara Foss will remain on station in Neah Bay for about 200 days, Howard said.
During the past two winters, the 126-foot Barbara Foss responded to 10 incidents and provided assistance to six times.
The Barbara Foss resumed rescue duty at Neah Bay at noon Saturday, Howard said.
