HUNTER 128

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Disabled tug lost towed trawler

In the morning of March 6, 2021, the 'American Callenger' grounded north of Dillon Beach. The vessel was being towed southward from Puget Sound by the American tug 'Hunter', 538 gt (IMO: 7726495). On March 5 at 8:45 a.m. the tug lost propulsion due to the tow rope entangling the propeller. The Coast Guard Cutter 'Hawksbill' went to the scene and monitored the situation. Sea conditions and visibility caused the continuation of the towing to be unfeasible, and the tug was anchored and later towed to Sausalito, San Francisco. At 1 a.m. on March 6, the drifting 'American Challenger' became grounded on rocks in a remote area south of Estero de San Antonio. It was sitting with a significant list to starboard side in the surf. Overflights have observed a light sheen from the vessel, but it was unknown if the fuel tanks are compromised. A unified command including the Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Marin County Office of Emergency Services and the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary was set up. An environmental unit is assessing protection strategies for sensitive sites in the area, including Tomales Bay. As of March 6 in the afternoon, officials said there had been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife and that there were no impacts to commercial traffic or scheduled marine events.