Federal-Iris

Coast Guard personnel were monitoring the "Federal Iris" with 21 crew members aboard, 120 miles west of the Columbia River entrance after main diesel engine components malfunctioned onboard and caused a localized explosion on Feb 22, 2018. The crew of the bulk carrier enacted emergency salvage operations and contracted the crew of the emergency response towing vessel "Denise Foss" which is permanently stationed at Neah Bay, Washington. In the afternoon, Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland personnel received notification that the "Federal Iris", enroute from Chaangzhou to Longview, experienced a marine diesel engine casualty. No crew members were injured, but the damage rendered the main propulsion system inoperable. Prior to the notification, the vessel was limited in operations due to a reduction of propulsion issue and an inoperable ballast water treatment system. A Coast Guard examination of the vessel was scheduled to ensure regulatory compliance when it reaches its intended destination. The "Denise Foss" reached the "Federal Iris" on Feb 23. The tow was estimated to take around 48 hours to reach Seattle. On Feb 25 the ship berthed at the APL Seattle Terminal. Photo: http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2819913