On July 12, 2013, The Washington State Department of Ecology notified the National Response Center (Report #1053670) of a sunken vessel in the middle of the navigation channel in the Columbia River, near Finley, Benton County, Washington. The vessel has been identified as the M/V Forus, a 40-foot former fishing trawler. The owner, who had been living aboard the vessel, was having it moved down river from Kennewick, WA to a marina, when it began drawing on water and sank. Ecology requested and was issued a Pollution Funding Removal Authorization (PRFA) by the EPA OSC in order to respond and mitigate the threat of an oil spill, which include raising the vessel from the river bottom.
Site operations to assess the vessel, stabilize it, and prepare for removal began on Tuesday, July 23. Divers confirmed that fuel tanks and vents were closed and that the vessel was not discharging oil. The vessel was observed to be sitting on the river bottom at a 45 degree angle, and was marked with a buoy on the water surface. The mast and antenna, which were observed as being immediately below the water surface, were cut so as to provide ample room for vessel draft, and not impede or damage passing barges, tugs, and recreational boats. After arrangements for a marina to accept and lift the vessel fell through, the dive team and agencies demobilized the site. However, the nearby Port of Pasco agreed to provide a dock for lifting and temporary storage space. Raising and removal operations began on August 2, 2013.
EPA and Ecology have notified all tribes that may have an interest in this area, and are coordinating daily with USCG Sector Columbia River, which has been broadcasting a notice to mariners. No sheen has been observed since the vessel's sinking on July 12, 2103.
