Barge Runs Aground, Damaging Gig Harbor Homes

GIG HARBOR, WA — A barge ran aground into several homes in Gig Harbor early Monday morning.

Gig Harbor Fire first reported the crash around 8: 45 a.m. According to their firefighters, the barge crashed into three homes off of Sunrise Beach Drive.

No injuries have been reported, but one home suffered severe structural damages. Gig Harbor Fire's Tech Rescue Team has responded and helped stabilize the home, so it doesn't collapse.

The Coast Guard estimates the crash may have caused upwards of $250,000 in damages. No one was injured.

Shortly after the crash the barge was pulled free by the attached towing vessel. It did not suffer significant damage, but has been towed to Seattle for further investigation.

Shortly after the crash, the Coast Guard determined that the master of the towing vessel Island Chief had fallen asleep at the helm, allowing the barge to crash into the shoreline.

The vessel operator agreed to have the boat's full crew tested for drugs and alcohol, though there is no indication either was involved in the crash.

“Incidents such as this are very concerning,” said Cmdr. Nathan Menefee, Chief of Prevention at Sector Puget Sound. “Fortunately, nobody was injured, and the towing vessel did not release fuel or oil into the water. Sector Puget Sound will investigate the incident to determine the cause and whether additional actions are necessary to prevent a similar incident in the future.”