ISLAND TUG AND BARGE SINKS TUG BOAT IN SEATTLE’S DUWAMISH RIVER

The ISLAND WIND, a 65 foot tug boat owned by Island Tug and Barge has sunk at a Seattle dock along the Duwamish River. The vessel reportedly became lodged beneath the dock at low tide causing the vessel to flood as the tide rose. Such sinkings are usually caused by improper mooring of the vessel. The ISLAND WIND had 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board and 400 gallons of lube oil. Salvage and pollution containment operations are underway. The accident is hoped to have minimal impact on the environment. The tug was apparently unmanned at the time of the accident.