Submitted by the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management

Early in the day on Friday, May 3, a 48-foot commercial fishing vessel ran aground and sank at the south end of Henry Island. The single occupant on board was safely rescued by the US Coast Guard.

The boat is reported to have had a maximum of approximately 400 gallons of diesel on board.

The Islands’ Oil Spill Association and Tow Boat US out of Friday Harbor were on scene this morning to assess pollution impacts and pinpoint the site of the sinking. In addition, Washington Department of Ecology responders are on scene and performed an overflight with San Juan County Department of Emergency Management to assess the situation. IOSA has been conducting initial air monitoring and has not found any measurable air quality impacts.

The United States Coast Guard has mobilized response contractors to the scene to look at the possibility of removing or sealing the remaining fuel on the sunken vessel and to develop a plan to potentially raise and remove the boat if possible. As always, the safety of responders is first and foremost.

Wildlife responders have been activated to assess for any potential impacts and to work to proactively minimize impacts going forward.

Responders will continue to monitor the site and track pollution and will be prepared to deploy protective strategies for critical habitat if need be.

Efforts will continue today and into tomorrow to resolve this situation in the safest and most effective way possible.