PORT TOWNSEND — The state Department of Ecology said Thursday that any fuel spilled when a boat broke free from its anchor in Port Townsend Bay and smashed into the Port of Port Townsend’s breakwater was most likely dissipated through wave action.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Mitchell Amort, based at Sector Puget Sound in Seattle, said the 58-foot wooden fishing vessel involved in the incident Wednesday afternoon had been converted into a houseboat and the owner was living aboard. The owner’s name was not released.
“The owner went ashore for fuel and supplies,” Amort said. “While he was at the Boat Haven, the strong winds and seas had pulled the anchor and the boat drifted into the breakwater.”
The boat smashed into the rock jetty, broke apart and eventually sank.
The Coast Guard was called in to investigate and the first concern was making sure the owner was safe.
“We thought it would be a search-and-rescue effort,” Amort said.
At the time of arrival, investigators said there was no smell of fuel in the air and no sheen in the water. According to reports, less than 40 gallons of fuel was onboard.
Alison Meyers, response unit supervisor for the southwest office of the state Department of Ecology, said the fuel likely dissipated through wave action.
“We deal with pollution in our state waters,” she said. “We have a concern about the release of diesel fuel and other contaminates that may have been onboard. Oil cans or household containers may come on shore or be emptied into waterways at this time.”
Meyers said the owner was working with an associate to help him salvage any part of the boat that may be found.
“Given the weather and wind it’s probably too dangerous in the next couple of days to do anything about it,” she said.
“We don’t have rights to remove the vessel, but if there is a pollution or haz-mat situation, we will assist with removal of those contaminates.”
Investigators planned to be on scene Thursday to assess the situation and monitor the water.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
