On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Coast Guard released a statement detailing the rescue of five people from the 130’ commercial tug Luther after it lost steering off the coast of La Push, Wash., the day prior.
According to the report, at 4:10 p.m., the tug lost steering and was beset by weather while towing a concrete barge 10 miles off the coast of La Push. The crew then requested assistance from the Coast Guard.
Rescue vessels launched to assist the distressed vessel included a 47’ Motor Lifeboat (MLB) crew from Coast Guard Station Quillayute River, an MH-60 Jayhawk crew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, and the emergency tug Lauren Foss.
The Luther began taking on water and the crew disconnected the tug from the barge due to the weather conditions. Once disconnected, the Luther was able to stabilize and stay afloat while they prepared for a tow from the Lauren Foss. While the tow was being set up, the adrift barge came close to the Luther and threatened to collide. All crew members were then transferred to the 47’ MLB.
During the transfer, one crew member fell into the water and was retrieved by the MLB crew. Station Quillayute River transferred a crew member onto the Luther and the Lauren Foss attempted a tow but was unable to complete it after a line fouled in one of the Lauren Foss’s props and they had to return to shore.
After the first tow was unsuccessful, the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Atlantic Raven, an ocean-going tug, arrived on scene along with Coast Guard Station Neah Bay and Air Station Port Angeles.
The crews were able to establish a tow and prevent the Luther from running aground while only one mile from shore. The Luther was taken to Port Angeles and no injuries were reported. On scene weather conditions were 10–14-foot seas and 45-kts winds.
The Coast Guard is actively working with partner agencies and the Canadian Coast Guard to locate the missing barge.
