OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state Ecology Department spokeswoman says a cargo barge laden with construction equipment has broken loose from its tug in the Pacific Ocean off the mouth of the Columbia River.
Barb MacGregor said late Wednesday night that Ecology and the Coast Guard are closely monitoring the barge, which reportedly has about 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board.
She says the barge Nastucca broke loose from the tug Miki Hana about seven miles offshore. The barge is drifting north in rough weather with 24-foot waves.
