Cape Intrepid Faces Power Loss: Towed for Repair After Troubling Sea Trials

Cape-Intrepid, a 685-foot cargo ship operated by the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, encountered significant challenges during recent sea trials in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Initially launched as the SS Arizona in 1975, the vessel was undertaking evaluations after a prolonged period in Tacoma when it experienced a power failure early on April 11, 2015. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. north of Clallam Bay in Canadian waters, causing the ship to drift approximately two miles before emergency assistance arrived.

The Coast Guard's Lt. Ben Weber confirmed that the emergency tug Jeffrey Foss responded to the distress call and reached Cape-Intrepid about two hours after the crew reported the malfunction. The tug, accompanied by another vessel, the Millennium Falcon, successfully towed the incapacitated ship into Port Angeles Harbor. Once there, vessel support experts evaluated the situation, determining that comprehensive repairs were necessary before the ship could return to service.

Kim Strong, spokeswoman for the U.S. Transportation Command, mentioned that while some replacement parts were already on board, the scale of the required repairs warranted the tow back to Tacoma, where more marine support personnel are available. The Cape Intrepid's propulsion plant experienced a critical material failure, which led to the unfortunate loss of power just hours after departing from Tacoma.

As details surrounding the specific cause of the power loss have yet to be disclosed, this incident raises important questions about the operational readiness of aging naval vessels. The timely and efficient response by the Coast Guard and tugs involved mitigated what could have been a more serious situation. As repairs continue, stakeholders will be keenly observing to ensure the vessel's safe return to active duty within the Ready Reserve Force.