The 653-foot bulk carrier ‘Federal Iris’ with 21 crew members aboard, suffered an explosion, 120 miles west of the Columbia River entrance, after main diesel engine components malfunctioned onboard, Thursday.
On Thursday afternoon, the US Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland personnel received notification that the Panamanian-flagged vessel experienced a marine diesel engine casualty, while en route from the Port of Changzhou, China, to Longview, Washington. The crew of the bulk carrier enacted emergency salvage operations and contracted the crew of the emergency response towing vessel, the Denise Foss.
No crew members were injured, but the damage rendered the main propulsion system inoperable. Prior to the notification, the vessel was limited in operations due to a reduction of propulsion issue and an inoperable BWTS. A Coast Guard examination of the vessel is scheduled to ensure regulatory compliance when it reaches its intended destination. The USCG recently published guidance on inoperable BWMS in US waters. Explore more here.
The crew of the emergency response towing vessel reached the ‘Federal Iris’ Friday and towed it to Seattle.
“The Coast Guard maintains the safety of the port by preventing damage to property or the marine environment,” said Capt. Tom Griffitts, commanding officer, Marine Safety Unit Portland. “Our primary concern now is the safety of the vessel and the crew aboard. Inspectors from our unit will ensure the vessel can safely operate before it continues operating in US waters.”
