Tug capsizes after dry dock sinks at shipyard

The Coast Guard and Washington State Department of Ecology are responding to a potential environmental hazard following the sinking of a 200 ft dry dock at the Vigor Marine Shipyard in Everett, Wash., Sunday. The 140-foot tug Crowley tug Invader was in the dock. The sinking caused it to capsize with an estimated 50,000-60,000 gallons of diesel on board, says the Coast Guard. There is also paint, scissor lifts, and a propane fork lift on the dry dock.

The dry dock began sinking on Saturday evening and stopped at approximately 12 p.m., Sunday, after making contact with the bottom. Both the dry dock and the Invader are partially submerged, with the Invader capsized on its starboard side.  The cause for the sinking has not been determined.

The owner of the Invader has confirmed that an estimated 50,000-60,000 gallons of diesel is contained in the vessel’s fuel tanks.

Boom has been deployed around the perimeter of the dry dock and the tug to prevent the spreading of any potential leakage. A light sheen has been observed due to residual sources.

A salvage company is on scene and has been conducting an assessment dive and plugging the tug’s vents.

The Coast Guard and the Department of Ecology will continue to monitor the salvage operation to ensure it is conducted safely and with minimal impact on the marine environment.

March 19, 2012