Coast Guard Responds to Spill

The Coast Guard and Washington State Department of Ecology are continuing to respond to an estimated 380 gallon diesel fuel spill into Commencement Bay by the 160-ft. fishing vessel Bowfin. The Bowfin was performing an internal transfer of diesel fuel on Pier 25 in the Port of Tacoma when a security guard noticed and reported the vessel spilling the fuel overboard and into the water. In addition to the Coast Guard and the Department of Ecology, the Washington State Marine Cooperative has responded. The National Response Corporation Environmental Services (NRCES) was hired by Trident Seafood, the owner of the Bowfin, and is cleaning up the fuel. Approximately 400 gallons of oily water mix has been recovered by NRCES using skimmers. To prevent further spreading of fuel in the water, 1,000 feet of boom has been deployed by the Port of Tacoma and NRCES. Over flights have been conducted over the fuel spill to assess its extent and impact.