Shipwreck vessel leaking @ Dillon Beach

Pics are of the Newberg which went aground on Salmon Creek Beach in 1918 in heavy fog. Note the attempts to re float and get it out to sea.

Dude, that was 103 years ago.  Not sure how much of that applies today.

I get how regulations can inhibit a prompt response from the CG. If so they need to be changed and commanders allowed to use some commonsense and seamanship to prevent serious problems.

Like Tedski said, they used to have more leeway, until commercial salvage companies successfully lobbied congress for a law to keep CG hands tied.  Maritime SAR Assistance Policy (MSAP) changed in 1982.   

The MSAP is the result of an effort enacted by Congress in 1982. It directed the Commandant
to “review Coast Guard policies and procedures for towing and salvage of disabled vessels in
order to further minimize the possibility of Coast Guard competition or interference
with...commercial enterprise.” The review was directed because of congressional concern that
Coast Guard resources were being used unnecessarily to provide non-emergency assistance to
disabled vessels that could be adequately performed by the private sector.
...
The MSAP represents more than a decade of development of relationships among the Coast
Guard, Congress, the commercial towing industry, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Each
iterative revision of the MSAP has received close scrutiny. It has been a give-and-take process
culminating in a policy that is equitable to all stakeholders.
...
Problems have often arisen when individuals or groups have interpreted the MSAP to fit their
own particular situation or personal agenda. This contradicts the aim of the policy and creates
unnecessary conflict amongst those for whom it was intended to serve.
...
If a commercial provider is available and can be on scene within a reasonable
time (usually one hour or less) or an offer to assist is made by a responder listed in the
previous paragraph, no further action by the Coast Guard, beyond monitoring the incident, will
be taken.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/CG-5R/manuals/COMDTINST%20M16130.2F.pdf

In this most recent incident, the tug boat Hunter hired a commie diver to assess his prop situation.  Once he hired the diver, the CG was required to sit and watch.  The diver he hired ended up not having his own transportation, and got really salty when the CG wouldn't let him hitch a ride.  He later claimed bad weather and poor visibility kept him from getting the job done...but the tug captain says the weather was fine?

Bottom line, I think the owner of both boats is the one who should be held responsible for this, but they are uninsured.  I would also guess that the chances of getting salvage funds from his sketchy sounding shell company are probably next to 0. 

Kinda surprised at the Coast Guard hate.  I'm personally glad they're out there, always on channel 16 and ready to help. 

Same principle applies whether a 100 years ago or not as well to a couple years ago with the Vera. OK. I get the part about not interfering with a commercial tow business but in the regs quoted, after an hour of no commercial tow available the CG could step in. Am I reading that wrong? My point here is, if regs need to change then they should.  A 90 foot vessel is free floating and no one knows whether it is loaded with fuel or not. Just watch it hit the rocks? It's there now and no doubt has been holed and will decorate that spot for years.