Barge carrying Navy ammunition runs aground on Belle Rock
October 10, 2011 · Updated 4:53 PM
The San Juan County Sheriff's Patrol Vessel based on Orcas Island is currently assisting the Coast Guard on the scene of the grounding of the barge "St. Elias."
The 322 ft. barge was being towed by the tug "Henry Brusco" when it ran aground early Monday morning on Belle Rock, between Anacortes and Center Island. The barge was carrying a mixed cargo that includes an estimated 9,000 pounds of Navy munitions.
"San Juan Sheriff staff are assisting the Coast Guard with establishing a 2,000 yard security perimeter around the site of the grounding," Undersheriff Jon Zerby said.
Oil boom has been deployed around the barge, but there is no sign of any spillage at this point. Coast Guard personnel are currently working with the vessel owners to refloat the barge and ensure safe handling of all of the cargo on board. There has been no impact on ferry traffic at this point in time.
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