KPLU Local News
(2010-06-25)
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The Crowley tug Gladiator is one of the boats that has served as the emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay
Washington Department of Ecology
A tugboat has been stationed at Neah Bay on Washington's northwest tip every winter since 1999 - and year-round since 2008. The aim is to prevent a catastrophic oil spill. The so-called "rescue tug" goes to the aid of ships that lose power or steering, and might otherwise run aground.
Up till now, cost of the tug has been paid by taxpayers. State Senator Kevin Ranker - a Democrat from San Juan Island - sponsored a bill that changed that.
"The legislation that we passed in 2009 mandated that the industry that poses the risk take over the responsibility and the cost for the Neah Bay rescue tug."
Now - barely a week shy of a July 1st deadline - the maritime industry has settled on a plan that has the oil industry picking up about 57 percent of the tug's $3.6 million annual cost. Cargo ships, cruise ships and other large vessels will pay 43 percent.
Since it was started, the tug has assisted 45 vessels in distress.
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