Barge Nestucca; 8 miles off Columbia River Bar

8 miles off Columbia River Bar | 2010-May-20

Initial Notification: At 2145 on May 19, 2010, NOAA ERD in Seattle was notified of a lost tow from the Tug Mikihana off Ledbetter Point, WA, near the mouth of the Columbia River. The barge Nestucca was carrying 400 gal #2 diesel and 7000 tons construction material. USCG requested ADIOS and trajectory. Shortly before midnight the tug managed to recover the barge and regain the tow. No spill reported. Note that the barge Nestucca was involved in a large oil spill in December 1988 when the tow cable parted between the tug Ocean Service and barge Nestucca, spilling 231,000 gallons of heavy fuel oil off the Washington coast.