Sunken tug refloated in Lake Washington

By KOMO Staff

Summary

A tugboat that sank in Lake Washington on Saturday has been refloated, and officials say they're still not sure what caused it to go down.

Story Published: Apr 19, 2009 at 12:57 PM PST

Story Updated: Apr 20, 2009 at 3:41 PM PST

KENMORE, Wash. - A tugboat that sank in Lake Washington on Saturday has been refloated, and officials say they're still not sure what caused it to go down.

About 40 to 50 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled during the sinking, said Dan Partridge of the state Department of Ecology. However, most of the fuel in the vessel's tank was pumped out before it leaked into the water.

Much of the diesel that went into the lake was contained and skimmed from the surface as well.

The state Department of Ecology says the tug, operated by Lakeshore Marine Construction, sank about 1:40 p.m. Saturday at the northeast end of the lake, near Kenmore.

A case file has been opened on the sinking, but it has not been determined whether Lakeshore Marine will have to pay a fine.

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