02/28/2008: "Response Tug Does It Again"

The Gladiator, the state-funded seasonal emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay, was dispatched at 3:30 a.m.yesterday after a 651-foot bulk carrier ship lost propulsion while entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The Star Indiana's fuel pump failed. The Norwegian-owned ship had left Los Angeles on Feb. 23.

The U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port dispatched the Gladiator as a precautionary measure. The vessel eventually regained propulsion and continued on to its port of call in Canadian waters.

The Captain of the Port ordered the vessel to retain a tug escort for the rest of its trip in U.S. waters. At about 6:40 a.m., the Gladiator was relieved by the Crowley tug, Hunter, west of Port Angeles. The Star Indiana arrived at Constance Bank, British Columbia, about 9:30 a.m. for assessment and repairs.

The state has contracted to station a standby emergency response tug at Neah Bay since spring 1999.

Since then, the tug has stood by or assisted 40 ships that were disabled or had reduced maneuvering or propulsion capability while transporting oil and other cargo along the coast and through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The actions helped ensure the ships didn't drift onto rocks and spill oil.