The motor vessel Sparna, a 623-foot Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier briefly ran aground in the Columbia River, but is still safely afloat near Cathlamet, Wash., on March 21, 2016. USCG informs that the vessel is damaged below the waterline, but is maintaining position awaiting repairs.
A tug helps stabilize the motor vessel Sparna, a 623-foot Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, while the Sparna awaits repairs after it sustained damage below the waterline while transiting in the Columbia River near Cathlamet, Wash., March 21, 2016.
The Sparna is loaded with grain and was headed west on the Columbia River when the incident occurred.
The vessel is safely anchored and the Coast Guard is monitoring the situation until repairs can be made.
“The positive news so far is that responders have not observed any oil in the water,” said Capt. Dan Travers, Coast Guard Captain of the Port for the Columbia River.
Two tugs, the PJ Brix and Pacific Escort, have been launched to help stabilize the vessel as it listed to its port side after taking on water in void spaces.
A salvage plan will be approved by the Coast Guard before the vessel can be moved from its current location.
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