Rough weather delayed rescue operation for massive container ship off California coast
The National Weather Service warned of wind gusts up to 60 mph and seas that could reach 16 feet
Cargo ship stuck in rough weather
High winds and battering waves prevented towing vessels from deploying lines to the ship
ALAMEDA, Calif. – Rough weather along the Pacific Coast delayed rescue operations of a 564-foot container ship that lost engine power Friday, approximately seven miles off of California.
The ship was finally towed to San Francisco Sunday, just before weather is expected to take a turn for the worse.
The U.S. Coast Guard said two tug boats responded to the Wan Hai 176, but they have been unable to deploy lines to tow the ship to port because of high seas and strong winds.
Much of the Pacific Coast and offshore waters were under advisories and gale warnings because of the rough conditions.
The National Weather Service said wind gusts reached 60 mph with seas as high as 16 feet off the coast of Northern California.
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The Coast Guard said all 21 crew members aboard the Singapore-flagged vessel appear to be okay, and so far, there have been no reports of fuel leakage.
It’s estimated there are around 39,000 gallons of fuel and 783 containers with various items aboard the ship.
Meteorologists expect weather conditions to deteriorate again on Sunday evening ahead of the passage of a strong cold front.