Unified Command Works to Contain Sheen from Derelict Vessel Near Camas

Diving operations are on-going and dependent on the stability of the vessel.

The 431-foot barge, Davy Crockett, sits aground on the northern bank of the Columbia River near Camas, Wash. Photo: Washington State Dept. of Ecology

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Federal, state and local agencies, as well as industry, continue to work closely together to recover oil and monitor a 431-foot derelict vessel, Davy Crockett, near Camas, Wash., on the Columbia River, Sunday.

A Unified Command, consisting of Coast Guard, Washington Dept. of Ecology, Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality, Dept. of Interior, Coast Guard Auxiliary and other agencies, was established Thursday after Ecology received reports of a light, non-recoverable sheen. Responders traced it back to mile marker 115 on the Columbia River, the site of the Davy Crockett.

Sunday’s operations included securing two lines to help hold the stern section of the vessel to the bow and the start of ballasting operations in an effort to stabilize the vessel. Diving operations are on-going and dependent on safety and stability. Cleanup and containment efforts continue on and around the barge.

A 500-yard safety no wake zone is still in effect around the Davy Crockett to ensure the safety of the on-scene workers and to prevent further damage to the vessel. Boaters are asked to use caution when transiting the area.

“As the federal on-scene coordinator, I can attest to the dedication of the multi-agency responders,” said Capt. Douglas E. Kaup, commanding officer of Sector Columbia River. “Our primary goals are to safely remove the oil from this barge and prevent further contamination of the Columbia River.”

The following information is current as of 3:00 p.m. Sunday:

• 52 members from federal, state and local agencies, as well as industry, are responding
• Approximately 1,200 gallons of oil recovered
• Approximately 18,000 feet of sorbent boom deployed around the vessel
• Approximately 300-feet of sorbent boom deployed inside the vessel
• Approximately 2,800-feet of hard boom deployed around the vessel
• One skimmer
• Seven work and crew vessels
• Two spud barges on-scene to stabilize the stern of the Davy Crocket
• Diving operations are on-going and dependent on the stability of the vessel