Tugboat sinking near Ballard Bridge, leaking fuel into Ship Canal

A 72-foot tugboat is sinking in the Ship Canal this afternoon, causing a fuel spill. The US Coast Guard and the Washington Department of Ecology are on the scene, using booms and absorbent pads to reduce the spread of fuel released, according to our news partners, The Seattle Times. The Times reports that the boat, Ivar, was undergoing work at a dock along West Commodore Way, about halfway between the bridge and the Locks.

tug

(Greg Gilbert / The Seattle Times)

The tug’s fuel tank reportedly holds 1,700 gallons when full, but it wasn’t verified that the tanks were full at the time. The owner of the tug is William Soderberg from Port Townsend. He has a blog about the tugboat project, in which he’s attempting to turn it into a floating residence.

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