SEATTLE (AP) — State officials don’t yet know how much fuel was released into the waters of the Swinomish Channel after more than half a dozen boats burned during a fire at a marina in La Conner. But state Department of Ecology officials say it appears most of the leak had been contained by Saturday.
On Friday, a fast-moving fire that sent up a towering cloud of black smoke destroyed at least seven boats and damaged others at the Shelter Bay marina. No one was injured. Six boats sank and initial damage estimates stood at $1 million.
Officials say three layers of oil containment boom and absorbent have been deployed to reduce spread of pollution. A skimmer and divers are also working to remove and recover fuel.
Salvage operations are expected to continue for several days.
