On November 5th, 2024, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, and Washington Department of Ecology (WA ECY) responded to a diesel spill following the sinking of a vessel at the pier in Westport Marina, Grays Harbor, WA.

After the vessel sank, Station Grays Harbor quickly deployed boom to contain the diesel in the water. WA ECY and clean-up crews assisted in deploying additional boom, while sorbents were applied and a skimmer was brought in to recover the diesel. It was a long night for our Sector pollution responders, who also oversaw divers securing fuel vents and stinging(vacuuming the fuel out)the tanks to prevent further leakage. Cleanup efforts continue, with ongoing observation by our SECTOR personnel.

A big thank you to Station Grays Harbor for their out-of-wheelhouse response and to our partners at WA Department of Ecology for their dedication to protecting our waters.