Discover the Cape-Intrepid: Ratings & Maritime News

The SS Cape Intrepid, a U.S. Navy reserve vessel, recently left Port Angeles Harbor under tow after experiencing mechanical issues in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The towing operation commenced at 6:55 a.m. on Tuesday, following a breakdown that occurred on Saturday around 2:30 a.m. when the ship lost power north of Clallam Bay. Kim Strong, a spokesperson for the U.S. Transportation Command, stated, "While replacement parts are being carried onboard, the extent of the repairs necessitates towing the vessel back to its homeport in Tacoma for better access to marine mechanical support personnel." The 685-foot SS Cape Intrepid was undergoing sea trials after an extended period at dock in Tacoma when it encountered a 'material failure' that compromised its propulsion system. Coast Guard officials reported that the vessel drifted over three miles before the emergency tug, Jeffrey Foss, arrived on the scene approximately two hours after the crew requested assistance. After being towed to Port Angeles, the SS Cape Intrepid was anchored in the harbor until it could continue its journey back to Tacoma on Tuesday morning, April 14, 2015. The U.S. Transportation Command, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation, oversees the operation and maintenance of the ready reserve fleet.

On Saturday, April 11, a Navy Military Sealift Command cargo vessel, the Cape Intrepid, was safely towed into Port Angeles Harbor after experiencing a power failure in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. as the 685-foot ship was engaged in sea trials following an extensive period docked in Tacoma. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Cape Intrepid lost power north of Clallam Bay, which is situated approximately 50 miles west of Port Angeles and falls within Canadian waters. Coast Guard Lieutenant Ben Weber detailed that the vessel drifted roughly two miles before the emergency tugboat Jeffrey Foss arrived on the scene, taking about two hours to reach the ship. The Jeffrey Foss, accompanied by another tug, the Millenium Falcon from Anacortes, successfully maneuvered the Cape Intrepid back into Port Angeles Harbor for necessary repairs. The cause of the power loss remains unclear, and it is uncertain how long the repair process will take. As of Sunday morning, the Cape Intrepid remained docked in the harbor.

On Saturday, April 11, the U.S. Navy cargo ship Cape Intrepid faced a significant challenge while conducting sea trials in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, British Columbia. The impressive 685-foot ship lost power and began to drift aimlessly for approximately two miles before the tugboat Jeffrey Foss came to its aid, regaining control of the vessel. While authorities have not disclosed the reasons behind the power failure, the Jeffrey Foss successfully transported the Cape Intrepid to Port Angeles, Washington, for necessary repairs. Operated by Military Sealift Command out of Tacoma, the Cape Intrepid had set sail from Tacoma just a day earlier for the trials. This vessel has an interesting history as it was initially constructed in 1975 under the name SS Arizona, designed as a Type C7 ship for versatile commercial and military applications.