Tug Challenger; San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo, California | 1987-May-10

Initial Notification: At 1805 on May 10, 1987, the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, Alameda, was notified by Coast Guard Group, Monterey that a mayday call had been received from the 85-foot tug Challenger that the tug was sinking and all on board were abandoning ship. The Challenger sank in approximately 50 fathoms of water. The fishing vessel Boggie Bay and the Coast Guard cutter Point Heyer picked up the four crew members, who were subsequently taken to the hospital, where they were reported to be in good condition. The Challenger had 18,000 gallons of #2 diesel fuel aboard and 150 gallons of lube oil. A slick was observed coming from the location of the sinking. The slick was estimated to be 2 miles by 250 yards wide and heading south. USCG district 12.