U.S. Coast Guard video and photo by Petty Officer 1st Class George Degener.
SEATTLE — Responders successfully removed the 65-foot pleasure craft Avalon from the beach near Pleasant Harbor in Brinnon, Tuesday.
The Coast Guard, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Global Diving and Salvage, Inc., have been working the case. DNR will oversee the vessel’s full removal and disposal.
The Coast Guard and Ecology have continued to monitor the vessel since the vessel’s Sep. 14 grounding, work with the owner to salvage the vessel and communicate with local stakeholders. DNR, under the provisions of the Derelict Vessel Act of 2002, took custody of the vessel Friday when it was determined that the owner, despite willingness to act, was unable to salvage his vessel and the period of time provided for him to act expired.
The agencies initially responded to a report of the vessel aground with approximately 500 gallons of diesel. Responders deployed containment boom around the vessel and removed the fuel from the onboard tanks the same day. Fuel was also skimmed from the surface of the water in the immediate area.
A community meeting was held in Brinnon in early October to address residents’ questions about the response and identify opportunities to strengthen response plans in the region. Ecology has stationed limited response equipment in Brinnon and is working with first responders to ensure training is completed, allowing for reduced response time to possible future maritime incidents.
“We’re pleased to see this case successfully resolved without injury to responders through coordinated effort with our partners at Ecology, DNR and the salver,” said Cmdr. Brian Meier, chief of response, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “We appreciate the patience and support of the residents of Brinnon to see this process to its end and take proactive steps to plan for the future.”
For more information about the Coast Guard response contact Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound at 206-217-6066. For information on Ecology’s role contact Sandy Howard at 360-791-3177. Questions about DNR’s Derelict Vessel Program can be addressed to Melissa Ferris at 360-902-1574.
Earlier this year, DNR launched a Vessel Turn-in Program that allows owners whose boats may become derelict or abandoned to turn them into the state instead. For more, visit 1.usa.gov/1sByvYf or contact the program at dvrp@dnr.wa.gov or 360-902-BOAT (2628).
To read the initial Coast Guard release or the Ecology brief please click here.