Boat sinks in Miller Bay; fuel spill contained

North Kitsap fire crews contained a fuel spill in Miller Bay Tuesday evening after a boat sank at a dock.

North Kitsap fire crews contained a fuel spill in Miller Bay Tuesday evening after a boat sank at a dock.

The 38-foot cabin cruiser was reported under water at a private dock off William Rogers Road at about 5:40 p.m., according to a statement from North Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Arriving responders found an oil sheen about 100 feet by 40 feet on the surface of the bay.

Crews used a spill containment boom stationed at the Port of Kingston to surround the sunken vessel and prevent leaked fuel from spreading. Officials from the Suquamish Tribe’s fish hatchery, situated at the north end of Miller Bay, were notified.

The U.S. Coast Guard and state Department of Ecology responded to the bay. The boat owner also hired private contractor to help secure the vessel, according to a statement from Ecology. A diver plugged vents on the boat to prevent further leaks from its tanks. The vessel is carrying between 100 and 150 gallons of fuel.

Wind gusts of up to 34 mph were recorded in the Miller Bay area Tuesday.

The owner plans to raise the boat Wednesday, according to Ecology.

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