PORT LUDLOW — South Bay resident Gary Kaysinger was happy to hear that two commercial boats grounded Wednesday near Port Ludlow Marina left no pollution.
“I have shellfish beds across the bay, and was concerned about a spill,” he said.
Kaysinger was one of several Port Ludlow residents who woke early Wednesday to see two commercial fishing boats grounded at the Burner Point bulkhead near the Port Ludlow totem.
No one was hurt, and damage to the vessels that washed up on the spongy beach was minimal, said Petty Officer Amber Christofoletti, spokeswoman with the Seattle Coast Guard office.
The Oakland Pilot, a 44-foot commercial geoduck diving boat owned by the Suquamish tribe, and a 20-foot vessel, Misty II, whose owner is unknown, dragged or broke away from their anchors during a wind storm overnight and drifted toward the point, Christofoletti said.
They ran aground when the tide receded, she added.
The Oakland Pilot was reported to have 350 gallons of diesel fuel oil on board.
Coast Guard investigators found no leaks or pollution after the vessels were refloated with the incoming tide early Wednesday afternoon.
The boats were spotted early Wednesday morning about an hour before low tide by a Coast Guard Auxiliary pilot on patrol.
The Coast Guard ordered both vessels taken to Port Townsend Boat Haven for a boatyard inspection.
The Oakland Pilot received damage to its rudder and propeller shaft, Christofoletti said.
Kaysinger said he had noticed the boats anchored in Port Ludlow Bay over the last few days.
Several Port Ludlow residents walked Wednesday morning to the point to view the unusual sight and take photos.
