Crabbing Vessel Stuck on Copalis Beach

Agencies Respond to Incidents

U.S. Coast Guard January 25, 2008 SEATTLE, WA
The Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) continue response efforts in an incident this week along the Washington coastline.

The crabbing vessel Anna Marie became grounded on the north end of Copalis Beach (just North of Ocean Shores) in the early hours Wednesday morning. None of the four crew members reported injuries and remain on board.

The 78-foot vessel is known to be carrying 2000 gallons of fuel and approximately 200 gallons of other petroleum products. The vessel is not taking on water, and no fuel is leaking.

Attempts to remove the Anna Marie from the beach during high tide Wednesday and today were unsuccessful. The vessel's owners have hired a salvage company to pull the boat off the beach using tugs and helicopters during today's high tide.

The Griffiths-Priday State Park on the Copalis River is closed to the public until further notice to accommodate equipment needed for the removal efforts.

Monitoring and salvage efforts for both vessels have been coordinated between Coast Guard Sector Portland and Ecology. Other agencies and parties involved in coordinating the effort include: Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Quinault Nation, Olympic Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration and Department of Interior.

(Photos and editing of the original story by Jeff Daniel)