A derelict commercial fishing vessel has run aground in the north section of Miller Bay near Indianola, Wash., after breaking free from its anchor, according to the Suquamish Police Department (SPD).
The steel-hulled vessel Nora, which has been on Washington State’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program watchlist and is not owned by a Suquamish Tribal member or any individual affiliated with a tribe, has been grounded for about a week. SPD said the owner has been contacted and that multiple state and federal agencies are involved in efforts to secure and remove the vessel.
Seattle-based Global Diving & Salvage has begun removing fuel and petroleum products from the boat, a process expected to take several days. Officials estimate that between 2,000 and 3,000 gallons of fuel and related products are aboard, with some already recovered.
The Nora has been stabilized with stern anchors to keep it from moving farther up the beach or damaging a nearby seawall, which could result in fuel leaking into the water. Preventing a spill remains the top priority, SPD said.
A barge arrived at the site on Monday to assist with recovery operations. SPD is urging boaters to avoid the area and minimize wake while crews work.
Residents are also asked not to block the emergency spill response trailer parked in front of the SPD office, as it may need to be moved quickly in case of an emergency.
SPD said the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA Enforcement, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police, Washington Department of Ecology, and TowBoatUS are assisting in the response effort.
There is currently no estimate for when the vessel will be removed from the bay.
