Tug Boat and Towed Fishing Vessel Adrift, Bodega Bay, CA

Off Bodega Bay, CA | 2021-Mar-05

Initial Notification: In the evening of 05-MAR-2021, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a tug boat & towed fishing vessel drifting towards shore off Bodega Bay, CA. During transit from WA State, the Tug HUNTER was towing the F/V AMERICAN CHALLENGER when there was a loss of propulsion and both vessels started drifting to the NNE. At the time of the report, the Tug HUNTER had deployed their anchor, but it had not yet caught bottom. USCG indicated that the primary pollution concern was from the Tug HUNTER, reportedly carrying 26,000 gallons diesel and 1,100 gallons. USCG requested a hypothetical trajectory estimate in the event of a grounding/spill to inform field investigations the following morning. The tug was able to anchor and was later towed to port but the fishing vessel grounded on rocks in a remote area south of Estero de San Antonio. A response effort is underway.