Removal of Sunken Vessels from the Makah Marina
Jan. 12, 2018 — On January 9, the Makah Tribe completed the removal of three fishing vessels that sank years earlier in the Makah Marina.
The removal of the vessels, conducted by the marine salvage firm Pacific Pile and Marine, and supported by the NOAA Marine Debris Program, eliminated the threat to navigation posed by the sunken vessels in this busy marina, as well as harm to the environment. By the time of removal, the three wooden-hulled vessels lost structural integrity, and were deteriorating into a debris field, contaminating a larger area.
Abandoned and derelict vessels, a form of marine debris, are a problem in the US and the world over. Recently the NOAA Marine Debris Program created a fact sheet to inform about this marine debris problem. The abandoned and derelict vessels InfoHub provides additional resources.
For more information, please contact Nir.Barnea@noaa.gov or Matthew.Bissell@noaa.gov.