Originally published April 27, 2011 at 5:05 AM | Page modified April 27, 2011 at 7:16 AM

EPA divers to survey sunken vessel in Lake Washington Ship Canal

Divers with the Environmental Protection Agency are planning an underwater survey Wednesday of a Coast Guard ice breaker that has been submerged for over 20 years.

The Associated Press

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The USCG vessel Onondaga was sold back in 1954, so perhaps the story should read the f... (April 27, 2011, by pete1427) Read more

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SEATTLE —

Divers with the Environmental Protection Agency are planning an underwater survey Wednesday of a Coast Guard ice breaker that has been submerged for over 20 years.

The cutter Onondaga is on the bottom of Seattle's Lake Washington Ship Canal in about 25 feet of water.

Diving officer Sean Sheldrake says a team of divers will inspect the vessel for potentially hazardous materials, such as leaking oil or batteries. He says divers will take water and sediment samples and document whether dangerous materials are on board.

Sheldrake says state officials wanted more information on the potential of the vessel to release chemicals and other materials into the water. The vessel is on the state's list of derelict vessels that need to be removed.

The dive is part of the EPA's Puget Sound Initiative.

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