Grounded Barge Capsized

The barge ITB-260 loaded with 3,324 tons of gravel capsized north of Gig Harbor, Wash., when the tide came in, causing the load of gravel to shift and eventually spill into the water. The tug Island Breeze was towing the barge when it reported to the Coast Guard that the barge was taking on water. Over three hours later the crew of the tug reported they had pushed the barge against the shore to prevent it from sinking. The Coast Guard is working with the owner of the barge to ensure the damage to the barge can safely be evaluated before being allowed to proceed. This incident did not result in the release of any petroleum products. The barge was transporting the gravel from Dupont, Wash., to Kenmore, Wash.. The Island Breeze is owned by the Seattle-based company Island Tug and Barge. The Coast Guard has assigned an investigator to this incident and notified the Washington State Department of Ecology of the event.