Bulk Carrier Grounds After Losing Propulsion in the Columbia River

A 608-foot bulk carrier that suffered an engine failure and ran aground in the Columbia River Thursday has been refloated without injury or pollution, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a report at 12:50 a.m. that the Marshall Islands-flagged Genco Auvergne had run soft aground due to a loss of main engine propulsion while transiting down the Washington side of the Columbia River, south of Skamokawa Vista Park.

The vessel, which is said to be carrying grain and approximately 616,644 gallons of fuel oil, is constructed with a double hull and regular soundings are being taken to monitor fuel-tank levels. No injuries or pollution have been reported.

The tugs Carolyn Dorothy, Samantha S. and Willamette arrived on scene to assist, and the bulker was refloated at 2:20 p.m. during high tide and continued transiting to Longview, Wash.

The Coast Guard dispatched a marine inspector from Sector Columbia River, and a Columbia River Bar Pilot is aboard Genco Auvergne coordinating vessel traffic through the area.

"We have great coordination with the vessel agents, class society, river pilots, flag state and port partners," said Capt. Gretchen Bailey, deputy commander at Sector Columbia River. "The implementation of the non-tank vessel response plan mitigated the impacts of the incident and will assist in the expedited refloating of the vessel."