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Category: Grounding

FV Arctic Sea Oil Spill

FV Arctic Sea Oil Spill

FV Arctic Sea
Photo: TikTok

On January 8, Alaskan authorities reported an oil spill was spotted near the grounded fishing vessel Arctic Sea.  The 41 meter long, 485 gt fishing vessel Arctic Sea (IMO: 7819216) had run aground in the Bering Sea off St. George Island, Alaska on January 5.  All 9 crew would be rescued by a Coast guard helicopter leaving the fishing vessel stranded along the shoreline.

Alaskan Environmental authorities reported the spill is most likely from the 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board the fishing vessel. The Arctic Sea also was carrying 2,000 gallons of lube oil and hydraulic fluid. While authorities can see an oil slick in the water, there is no estimate of how much oil pollution has been released. With sea lion and seals rookeries just being 2 miles west of the spill, there is concern the pollution could have a major environmental impact.

In the fishing vessel’s hold there is some 11,000 pounds of tanner crab which can release toxins and bacteria that can poison the water and kill nearby crab in the area.

Authorities are also concern of a lesser known risk. St. George Island is a rat free island and there is concern that if the Arctic Sea had any rodents at the time of the incident, they may reach the shore alive. Rats would have a major impact of ground-nesting birds and other wildlife in the area. Governmental and local communities have spent many years and resources to clear islands of rodents. When a Japanese vessel wrecked on Hawadax Island, Alaska in 1780, it would take another 229 years before the rodents would be removed from the island.

Reports state that Resolve Marine has been contracted for salvage operations. The common practice is to remove the fuel and oil off the vessel to mitigate pollution risks, but bad weather may prevent any salvage for several months.

Tundraland

Tundraland

Tundraland

On the early morning of January 7, the 191 meter long, 13800 dwt ro-ro cargo ferry Tundraland (IMO: 9343273) ran aground on the Kiel Canal at Breiholz, Germany. The Tundraland departed from Travemünde to Zeebrugge when it approached the lock at Breiholz.  The cargo vessel would change course and veer into the south embankment of the canal. Even though the Tundraland went aground with some force, the vessel was unharmed with no damage or water ingress. The Tundraland was able to free itself and proceeded under its own power to  Brunsbüttel.

Authorities would detain the Tundraland and conducted an inspection of the cargo vessel. Divers would inspect the hull for damage. The water police launched an investigation into the incident to determine what was the cause for the grounding. There were no reports of injuries or pollution released.

Happy Aras

Happy Aras

Happy Aras
Photo: caliber.az

On January 3, the 94 meter long, 4625 dwt bulk carrier Happy Aras (IMO: 8202965) ran aground in the Black Sea near Cape Zhelezny Rog, Russia. The Happy Aras was en route from Varna to Novorossiysk in ballast when it reported the vessel had gone adrift on January 2. Driven by strong winds and storm conditions, the drifting Happy Aras was blown aground some 30 meters off the shoreline. Damage to the bulk carrier was not disclosed, but the vessel reported suffering from water ingress.

Reports state the 14 crew were rescued and there no reports of injuries. Authorities stated there was no sign of pollution and the incident was being monitored. Booms were placed around the vessel to contain any fuel that might be released.The Happy Aras has recent history of detention due to deficiencies with more than 10 listed in December 2025.