Offshore Weather Slows Progress of Disabled Tanker

The disabled mixed-products tanker Pine Galaxy is expected to arrive in San Francisco later this week. 

The ship, which is being towed by a commercial tug, reportedly encountered heavy weather that slowed its progress. The Coast Guard will escort the ship and establish a safety zone around the vessel.

The 485-foot Bahamian registered Pine Galaxy experienced an engine room fire on Aug. 13 that resulted in the death of one crewman and left the ship without power or propulsion. The Coast Guard has formed a joint agency team with the ship's owners to ensure the vessel safely transits through San Francisco Bay to repair facilities in San Francisco.

Its cargoes include neutral oil, tetramer, propylene tetramer and vegetable oil. There have been no reports of any cargo leaking from the ship and no reported damage to the vessel's cargo tanks, fuel tanks or hull.

"Our top priority is ensuring a coordinated effort to get the ship safely into port where repairs can be made," said Capt. Greg Stump, commander, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.