KENMORE — A tugboat sank in Lake Washington, spilling diesel fuel that officials say was contained.
The state Department of Ecology says the tug, operated by Lakeshore Marine Construction, sank about 1:40 p.m. Saturday near a dock at the northeast end of the lake, near Kenmore.
It was carrying about 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel, and Ecology officials estimate at least 40 to 50 gallons leaked into the water.
The agency says a “heavy sheen” of diesel was contained by booms.
It wasn’t immediately known what caused the tug to sink. No injuries were reported.
Ecology officials say there were “no observable impacts on fish or wildlife.”
Olympia: Ban on novelty lighters
The Legislature has approved a measure banning the sale of “novelty” or toy-like lighters in the state.
The Senate, with a 42-2 vote, concurred Saturday with changes made in the House. The measure now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Under the proposed law, any lighter that has flashing lights, makes musical sounds, or could be mistaken as a toy would be banned. Disposable lighters with decals and artwork would be exempt.
Retail stores that continue to sell the lighters will first be issued a warning, but subsequent violations would garner a $250 fine.
Lawmakers took up the issue after numerous house fires were started by children who were playing with the toy-like incendiary devices.
Sea-Tac: 4 more flights targeted
Airport officials say four more planes have been targeted with a laser beam while heading into Sea-Tac Airport for a landing.
Airport spokesman Perry Cooper told KOMO-TV the pilots of the planes reported seeing a flash of bright red beam while preparing to land Friday night. All four were hit within a 15-minute period, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
The planes all landed without incident.
Investigators believe the beams originated from a place two to three miles north of the airport.
Friday night’s incident follows nearly two dozen similar occurrences.
Oregon: Pair eat poison mushrooms
A Molalla couple was hospitalized after eating poisonous mushrooms they picked in their back yard.
They were identified as Paul Byron Fortner, 50, and his wife, Kim Fortner, 48. They were taken to Willamette Falls Hospital in Oregon City.
The Oregonian said hospital officials declined to release the name of the mushroom they ate.
Mollala Fire District Lt. Mike Penunuri said the couple reportedly had picked and eaten wild mushrooms for years but improperly identified those in their back yard.
Associated Press
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