SEATTLE — The Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology Ecology and the Washington State Maritime Cooperative WSMC have wrapped up their response Wednesday to a hydraulic fluid spill in Puget Sound.
The vessel Hyundai Republic lost hydraulic fluid in Commencement Bay Tuesday in Tacoma, Wash., and small sheens were reported along the ship’s transit to Elliot Bay here.
Following a dive survey this morning, investigators determined that a crack in the ship’s bow thruster was the source of the spill. Additional efforts were made to remove as much oil as possible from the bow thruster system.
An Ecology observer will monitor the ship’s departure this evening to ensure no more hydraulic fluid is released.
The ship released an estimated 150 gallons of hydraulic fluid as it was getting underway from its mooring at the Washington United terminal in Tacoma.
Ecology and the Coast Guard are continuing their investigation into the specific cause of the spill.
No one was injured during this accidental discharge and response.
