A U.S. Navy submarine conducted a standard diving exercise in the Strait of Juan de Fuca early Wednesday afternoon just west of the mouth of the Lyre River, the Coast Guard said.
The operation startled at least one coastline resident concerned something was wrong after he saw what he believed was smoke or steam billowing from the stern and possible liquid running down the side.
“I’ve seen quite a few subs out here, and this is highly unusual,” said Tony Cook, adding he often watches vessels with his telescope.
But the submarine “was not in distress,” said search and rescue controller Tom Brown of Coast Guard Group/Air Station Port Angeles, who would not name the submarine for security reasons.
Brown said he did not know what Cook was referring to concerning possible liquid running down the side.
What Cook thought might have been smoke was water vapor from ballast being blown skyward, Brown said.
“Before they dive, they blow ballast, that’s just normal,” Brown said.
When ballast is shot out, “it’s pretty impressive,” he added. “It shoots up 100 feet, sometimes.”
For security reasons, the vessel was escorted by two 87-foot Coast Guard vessels out of Air Station Port Angeles, Brown said.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-417-3536 or paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.