The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Puget Sound said it received notification that a
“Initial findings indicate that the master of the towing vessel fell asleep while navigating the vessel,” USCG said in a statement.
The barge was empty at the time of the incident, but estimates of damage have been put in excess of $250,000. The barge was pulled free by the tug, both of which have returned to Seattle for investigation and inspection.
“Incidents such as this are very concerning,” said USCG Cmdr. Nathan Menefee, Chief of Prevention at Sector Puget Sound. “Fortunately, nobody was injured, and the towing vessel did not release fuel or oil into the water. Sector Puget Sound will investigate the incident to determine the cause and whether additional actions are necessary to prevent a similar incident in the future.”
The coast guard said the vessel operator initiated drug and alcohol testing for all personnel directly involved in the incident.
