According to the Dept. of Ecology, the Quaker Maid has been surrounded by barriers, and divers have plugged the vents to prevent further leaking. About 2,000 gallons of oily water mixture have been recovered so far. (WA Dept. of Ecology)
SEATTLE — State and federal environmental response teams are monitoring a diesel spill after a commercial fishing vessel sinks at Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle, the Washington Department of Ecology said Friday.
The 72-foot fishing vessel Quaker Maid sank at the terminal with an estimated 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. In response, Ecology’s spills team and U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound launched a coordinated cleanup effort.
Response actions underway
First, crews deployed containment boom around the vessel to limit the spread of fuel. Next, divers plugged the vessel’s vents to stop additional diesel from escaping, according to Ecology.
As a result of those actions, responders have recovered approximately 2,000 gallons of oily water mixture so far.
Continued monitoring through the weekend
Meanwhile, Ecology said response crews will remain on scene throughout the weekend to monitor conditions and adjust cleanup efforts as needed.
So far, officials have not reported shoreline impacts or injuries. Additionally, Ecology has not released the cause of the sinking or details about the vessel’s condition.
Environmental context
Fishermen’s Terminal serves as one of Seattle’s primary commercial fishing hubs, supporting fishing vessels, maritime businesses, and dockside infrastructure. Because sunken vessels pose a heightened risk of fuel release, state and federal agencies treat diesel spills in active marine areas as high-priority incidents.
Ecology said it will provide further updates if conditions change or additional recovery actions occur.
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