Coast Guard reopens Columbia River for maritime traffic

SEATTLE – Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, Ore., has reopened the Columbia River to maritime traffic at approximately 12 p.m., Saturday, after a safety zone was established at approximately 2 a.m., due to a large amount of debris in the water.

The debris was a result of the Susaki Wing allision, Friday evening.

The safety zone, which extended from state mile marker 35-45, on the Oregon side of Puget Island, Wash., was determined to be safe for transit after the Army Corps of Engineers conducted a survey of the waterways.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, Ore., also surveyed the safety zone and determined there was no longer any debris.

The Susaki Wing is currently at anchor in Longview, Wash., undergoing a Coast Guard inspection on the main engine, steering systems and hull damage prior to vessel departure.