UPDATE: Dock that washed ashore near Newport from Japan tsunami
UPDATE: A metal placard bearing Japanese writing was found attached to the dock that washed ashore at Agate Beach early Tuesday morning, one mile north of Newport. The placard was forwarded to the Japanese consulate in Portland, Oregon, for their review. The Japanese consulate has confirmed that the dock washed ashore at Agate Beach is debris from the March 2011 tsunami in Japan.
Shortly after the dock made landfall, it was checked for radiation and was found to be negative.
Scientists at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport have verified that there is evidence of marine life specific to Japan attached to the dock.
There is some concern about potential invasive species exposure. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is working with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to contain this threat.
OPRD is still developing disposal options. Two possibilities are salvage or demolition; both are being evaluated.
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NEWPORT, Ore. (KMTR) -- On June 4, 2012, ocean shore visitors reported seeing a loose dock floating offshore near Agate Beach one mile north of Newport. The object has since washed ashore and is sitting at the high tide line.Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff responded to the site. The origin of the object is not known, but there is no obvious evidence it crossed the ocean. The dock itself is very large and heavy: 7' tall, 19' wide and 55' long. It is made primarily of concrete and metal, but is clearly designed to float. Because of its size and the chance it could continue to settle or be moved by wave action, state park staff are posting warning tape and signs instructing the public to stay off the structure.
State park staff, in cooperation with other authorities, are discussing options to remove the object from the beach. Agate Beach remains open . . . just stay off the dock.
