Vessel runs aground on the Columbia near Tongue Point

By CHIEF PETTY OFFICER 3RD CLASS TREVOR LILBURN | U.S. COAST GUARD DISTRICT 13 The 738-foot motor vessel, Gorgoypikoos, sits aground on the Miller Sand Bar, east of Tongue Point, Oregon June 2. The vessel was carrying grain, 318,017 gallons of fuel oil and 21 crew members, but reported no injuries or pollution. • June 3, 2019 5:30 pm
Vessel runs aground on the Columbia near Tongue Point

The Coast Guard responded to a 738-foot vessel that ran aground on the Miller Sands Bar, east of Tongue Point, Oregon Sunday.

The vessel was able to pull itself off the bar on the south side of the Columbia River east of the entrance early Monday morning at high tide, with no injuries or pollution reported, according to the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received the call Sunday afternoon that the Gorgoypikoos had run aground while transiting at 10 knots due to a steering control malfunction.

The vessel had a crew of 21 and was reported to be carrying grain and approximately 318,000 gallons of fuel-oil.

The Coast Guard dispatched a federal investigator aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Cape Disappointment, as well as an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter from Air Station Astoria.

The Columbia River Pilots and Columbia River Bar Pilots monitored traffic and issued restricted movements due to the stern of the vessel partially obstructing the channel. Three tugboats arrived to assist the Gorgoypikoos, but the vessel was able to re-float itself and continued to its original destination in Longview.