The following is the text of a press releases issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(PORTLAND, Ore.) — The Coast Guard is investigating the report of a disabled vessel that is anchored off of Tongue Point, Ore., Monday. Coast Guard Sector Portland, Ore., marine inspectors and investigators are en route to the scene to conduct an inspection and investigation of the vessel.
The 732-foot motor vessel Golden Glow, a Greek flagged bulk carrier, was proceeding outbound in the Columbia River with approximately 55,000 tons of grain when one of two steering gear pumps failed. The vessel was able to safely navigate to the designated anchorage using its functioning steering motor.
The Coast Guard Cutter Fir, a 225-foot buoy tender homported in Astoria, Ore., is currently moored at Tongue Point and its crew observed the anchored vessel and reported no adverse impact to the environment. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment also launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew to verify no pollution was originating from the vessel.
The Captain of the Port, Portland, is holding the vessel until repairs have been verified and are complete. International Convention requires that ships of this size maintain two functional steering systems in order to safely navigate in the event that one becomes disabled.
