Authorities search for large object off coast, possibly dock from Japanese tsunami
Federal, state and tribal officials Monday were attempting to track a large object ? possibly part of a dock dislodged in the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami ? that was reported drifting off the coast near the Jefferson-Grays Harbor county line.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokeswoman Keeley Belva said Monday the object has not been relocated or confirmed since it was initially reported Friday.
Fishermen aboard the crab boat Lady Nancy reported seeing a large object floating off the coast last Friday and even took a photo of it.
Chief Petty Officer Robert Lanier said the Coast Guard has been broadcasting warnings to mariners about the big flotsam since then.
Helicopter crews from Astoria, Ore., conducted five unsuccessful searches covering about 317 square miles aboard a HH-60 Jayhawk.
NOAA has received about 1,400 debris reports in the past year, adding that 17 of those reports have been confirmed as definite debris from the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.
The latest spotting of the debris reactivated a response plan that involves federal, state and tribal agencies.
Lanier said the state Emergency Management Division, following a marine debris plan crafted this year, identified resources and brought in partners to prepare for the response.
The state contacted the Quinault tribe, based in Taholah, as well as NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Olympic National Park and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Last summer, a 165-ton concrete Japanese dock became an international sensation after coming to rest on Agate Beach north of Newport, Ore.
A commemorative plaque showed that it was one of four owned by Aomori prefecture (state) that broke loose from the port of Misawa on the northern tip of the main island during the 2011 tsunami.
Anybody spotting debris in the ocean or ashore is asked to notify authorities by phoning toll-free 855-922-6278.
More information is available at http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/tsunamidebris and http://marinedebris.wa.gov.
Last modified: December 18. 2012 7:49AM
Source: http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012312189996
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