— by Lin McNulty —
Photo: Dan Vekved
Troy Wood, Program Manager of Washington State Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Derelict Vessel Removal Program, has advised Orcas Issues that the vessel Sanctuary, which burned and sank in Judd Cove on Tuesday, June 5 has been removed.
The boat was extracted by Global Diving and Salvage yesterday using a barge and crane, and is currently sitting on the barge in Seattle, awaiting further action.
The decision to remove the vessel was made because of the aquatic preserve and eel grass bed in Judd Cove. Prior to the removal, the US Coast Guard pumped off 250 gallons of diesel from the tank, with another 20-40 gallons having spilled into East Sound. “We were interested in saving the eel grass in the area that has been injured for some time,” Wood stated.
Although there has been no contact established with the owner, Wood emphasizes that there is no evidence to believe anyone was drowned during the fire. “Divers were all over it,” explained Wood.
The state has taken the vessel into emergency temporary possession. The department will further seek lawful custody of the Sanctuary in accordance with RCW 79.100 for further investigation. Until such time as that process is completed, the boat will remain on the barge.
