Crystal Ocean propulsion failure
Spill responders and vessel inspectors are closely monitoring the Crystal Ocean, a 570-foot cargo vessel that lost propulsion three miles off the mouth of Grays Harbor in the Pacific Ocean. At this point, there’s no report of oil or other pollutants being released.
Summary information
Off Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County
The Crystal Ocean vessel. Photo: Courtesy MarineTraffic.com.
Status updates
March 27, 2010
At 6:00 am the Crystal Ocean was cleared for normal operations by the inspecting class society.
The vessel proceeded into Grays Harbor under its own power with a tug escort. The vessel is currently inside the Grays Harbor bar underway to Terminal 4.
March 26, 2010
Spill responders and vessel inspectors from the U.S. Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology are closely monitoring the Crystal Ocean, a 570-foot cargo vessel that lost propulsion this morning, three miles off the mouth of Grays Harbor in the Pacific Ocean.
At this point, there’s no report of oil or other pollutants being released.
The vessel was in-bound to the Port of Grays Harbor when the mechanical failure occurred. The vessel is currently at anchor approximately three miles southwest of Ocean Shores. As a precaution, a tug was dispatched from Grays Harbor and is currently alongside the Crystal Ocean.
The vessel is estimated to be carrying about 140,000 gallons of bunker fuel and 23,000 gallons of diesel fuel in its tanks to run its engines.
The Crystal Ocean has reportedly regained full operational capability. However, federal and state authorities are waiting for tests to be completed, including more information about why the failure occurred, before the vessel will be allowed to proceed to the port during daylight hours with tug assistance.
The Coast Guard and Ecology are prepared to immediately respond if it is determined the vessel poses any pollution or maritime safety threats.
Current Situation: Vessel is under its own power and headed out with tug escort to a position 25 miles off the coast. The classification society inspector is on board and will make a determination of the vessel status.
When the vessel is cleared for normal operation it will return to Gray’s Harbor. The return transit conditions include a local pilot, daylight conditions and tug escort.
Ecology, the USCG and other agencies represented on the Regional Response Team continue to monitor the vessel status and will respond appropriate to any changing conditions.