Tug Loses Control of Barge Near Mouth of Columbia River

High Seas and winds caused a tow line to snap on a 330-foot barge being towed ten miles west of the entrance to the Columbia River Bar. The tug boat MIKI HANA called the Coast Guard to report it had lost control of the barge which was carrying 700,000 pounds of construction materials. The tug requested the Coast Guard’s presence on the scene due to the high danger involved in working in 20 foot seas and high winds. After a three hour battle, the MIKI HANA was reportedly able to regain control of the barge using an Orville Hook. A helicopter crew from Astoria Air Station responded to the MIKI HANA’s call for assistance.