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Under water: U.S. Coast Guard boats approach the partially sunken 61-foot landing craft Pegasus on Tuesday in Lynn Canal.Boat with tons of explosives sinks near Juneau
U.S. Coast Guard official says there is no eminent danger of explosion in Lynn Canal
"There is no iminent danger of explosion," said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Barry Lane.
The Pegasus sank in 50 feet of water in Lynn Canal shortly before 11:35 a.m. in Sunshine Cove, off Mile 35 of Glacier Highway. The ship was transporting blasting caps that require "a high-impact ignition," Lane said.
Two people were on board when the Pegasus capsized. They escaped with no injuries, Lane said.
Video from the Air of Ship
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Ship hull and containers
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Officials said an excavator also was lost overboard during the incident.
Lane said the ship was headed to an unknown work site, but he did not know the ship's origin or destination.
Local mine officials could not be reached.
Investigators were expected on scene early Tuesday evening. The investigation would take weeks, Lane said.
The Coast Guard said it was posting a patrol boat at the scene to provide security until either the explosives were recovered or Gumption Leasing provided security.
Trucano Construction has been contracted to recover the explosives and the vessel.
  
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