SAN JUAN ISLANDS, Wash. – The task of off-loading fuel from a fishing boat that sank off San Juan Island on Saturday, August 13th, is now a bit more complicated.
The Coast Guard reports divers were about to seal vents to prepare for pumping fuel from the boat when it was found to have sunk deeper.
The Aleutian Isle was originally found 100 feet down after sinking west of the island, but is now 200 feet below the surface.
The boat’s crew estimates there were about 2,600 gallons of fuel and lubricants on board.
Crews have been working to remove nets from the seabed and a remotely operated vehicle is being brought in to survey the wreckage.
Several agencies are watching for southern resident orcas but none have been spotted in the area.
A good Samaritan rescued the Aleutian Isle’s five crew members as it was going down.