Horizon box ship loses propulsion in Strait of Juan de Fuca

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
 
(SEATTLE) — The Hunter, a state-funded emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay,Wash,. was dispatched to assist a 712-foot container ship after the Coast Guard was notified that the vessel had lost propulsion in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, three nautical miles north of Neah Bay, 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The container ship Horizon Tacoma was headed from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to Tacoma, Wash. when the crew noticed smoke coming from the number one engine’s turbocharger and shut the engine down.

The U.S. Coast Guard directed the Horizon Tacoma to accept tow from the Hunter and Foss tugs to Tacoma, where the engine will be repaired. The response tug was on scene within 15 minutes, and is currently underway with the Horizon Tacoma in tow. The vessels are expected to arrive in Tacoma Wednesday afternoon.

By Professional Mariner Staff