Federal authorities detain Ecuadorian tugboat crew after botched Washington ferry tow operation, raising concerns about maritime safety and labor practices.
At a Glance
- South American crew detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after failed attempt to tow retired Washington ferries to Ecuador
- Crew endured squalid conditions for three months due to visa restrictions
- Washington State Ferries not involved in hiring crew, followed state procurement laws in selling vessels
- Tow equipment malfunction left tugboat stranded in Seattle’s Elliott Bay
- Incident raises concerns about safety measures and logistical planning in maritime operations
Failed Tow Operation Leads to Crew Detention
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has detained the crew of an Ecuadorian tugboat following an unsuccessful attempt to tow two retired Washington state ferries to Ecuador for scrapping. The incident has sparked a federal investigation and raised significant concerns about maritime safety protocols and the treatment of foreign crews in U.S. waters.
The crew, hired by the purchaser of the decommissioned ferries Elwha and Klahowya, was tasked with operating the tugboat Wycliffe. However, the operation went awry when the tow equipment malfunctioned, leaving the Wycliffe and its crew stranded in Seattle’s Elliott Bay. This failure has left the future of the $200,000 deal with an Ecuadorian recycling plant uncertain.
Crew’s Ordeal and Labor Concerns
The detained crew, consisting of mariners from Peru, Colombia, and Panama, endured harsh conditions for approximately three months due to visa restrictions. Unable to leave their vessel, they faced a lack of provisions, pay, and even experienced health scares.
“Being on board something for 90 days in squalor conditions,” said Cyrus Denato, an inspector with the ITF Puget Sound, “essentially putting these crew members in a tin coffin.”
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) reported that the crew was intimidated by their Ecuadorian employer and hesitant to ask for help. This situation has brought attention to the potential exploitation of foreign maritime workers and the need for stronger protections.
Washington State Ferries’ Position
Washington State Ferries (WSF) officials have distanced themselves from the failed operation, emphasizing that they were not involved in hiring the crew and followed all state procurement laws in selling the vessels.
“WSF was not part of hiring the crew, nor should we have been,” said Warr. “The crew’s visa status is between the owner/operator who hired the crew and Customs and Border Protection. WSF has, as always, followed every state procurement law regarding surplus state property in selling these vessels that have been decommissioned since 2017 and 2020.”
Despite selling the ferries for $100,000 each, which WSF considers a win for taxpayers, officials are concerned about the negative perception of their agency due to the incident.
Next Steps and Ongoing Investigation
The U.S. Coast Guard has initiated a full-scale investigation to determine the causes of the failed tow attempt and to assess potential safety violations. The ferries are currently moored at WSF’s maintenance facility at Eagle Harbor, awaiting a new tow plan from the Coast Guard and the purchaser.
As the investigation progresses, authorities will be scrutinizing the logistical planning and safety measures involved in such operations. The incident has highlighted the need for stricter oversight of international maritime contracts and the welfare of crews involved in transoceanic vessel transfers.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential pitfalls in international maritime operations. It underscores the importance of thorough planning, proper equipment maintenance, and adherence to labor standards to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved parties.
