Sub watcher near Lyre River startled by ballast blast

A U.S. Navy submarine conducted a standard diving exercise in the Strait of Juan de Fuca early Wednesday afternoon just west of the mouth of the Lyre River, the Coast Guard said.

The operation startled at least one coastline resident concerned something was wrong after he saw what he believed was smoke or steam billowing from the stern and possible liquid running down the side.

“I’ve seen quite a few subs out here, and this is highly unusual,” said Tony Cook, adding he often watches vessels with his telescope.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

But the submarine “was not in distress,” said search and rescue controller Tom Brown of Coast Guard Group/Air Station Port Angeles, who would not name the submarine for security reasons.

Brown said he did not know what Cook was referring to concerning possible liquid running down the side.

What Cook thought might have been smoke was water vapor from ballast being blown skyward, Brown said.

“Before they dive, they blow ballast, that’s just normal,” Brown said.

When ballast is shot out, “it’s pretty impressive,” he added. “It shoots up 100 feet, sometimes.”

For security reasons, the vessel was escorted by two 87-foot Coast Guard vessels out of Air Station Port Angeles, Brown said.

________

Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-417-3536 or paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Poplars to be removed in spring

Boat Yard expansion part of larger project

Jeffco Aquatic Coalition launches pool survey

Results intended to inform design process

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few miles south of Port Angeles. While the Peninsula has seen temperatures below freezing this week, a warming trend is expected by this weekend with highs reaching the upper 40s and overnight lows in the 30s. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Winter snowscape

A snow-covered Mount Angeles is seen from Black Diamond Road a few… Continue reading

JoAnn declares bankruptcy; Port Angeles store to close

The Joann fabrics and crafts store in Port Angeles… Continue reading

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris to her grandson, Damien Millet, 9, after it was located with a metal detector and dug from the sand at Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles on Wednesday. They were combing the beach in search of whatever hidden treasures they could find. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Beach combing

Cheri Sanford of Port Angeles, right, hands a piece of metal debris… Continue reading

Six Peninsula school measures passing

Sequim voters approve bond, levy

Port Townsend, Chimacum pass school levies

Funds will support facilities, supplies, transportation

Counties can collect up to $1.80 of property tax per $1,000 of assessed value, but they are only allowed to increase their property tax collection amount by 1 percent each year, excluding new construction, without voter approval.
Clallam already eyeing 2026 cuts

If county can’t raise revenue, it may cut employees, services

Port Angeles School Board to conduct community conversation

Port Angeles School Board members will be available to… Continue reading

After-school art program returns to Stevens Middle School

Let’s Make Art, a free after-school program at Stevens… Continue reading

Department of Licensing offices to be closed

PORT ANGELES – The Department of Licensing office of the Clallam County… Continue reading

Voters approving all Peninsula school measures

Sequim bond passing with required supermajority