The 108 meter long, 900 dwt passenger ferryVesteralen allided with the pier at Bergen, Norway. The ferry was approaching the pier at high speed when the it lost power. Unable to slow down, the bow struck the quay resulting in an one meter gash in the hull. The gangway sustained damage releasing some 3,000 litres of hydraulic oil released into the sea. No reports of injuries to the 84 passengers and 41 crew on board. The local fire brigade deployed containment booms. Reports state visibility was poor due to the thick fog in the area.
Unified Command has confirmed that the Kulluk, towed by the anchor handling vessel Aiviq, approached its safe harbor location in Kiliuda Bay at approximately 10 a.m., Alaska Time. The final location for assessment within the Bay will be determined by environmental conditions, including weather.
The Kulluk traveled 45 nautical miles since the start of the tow, roughly 12 hours ago. Average speed has been 3.5 knots or 4 mph.
The Kulluk was refloated from its Ocean Bay position, off Sitkalidak Island, late Jan. 6. It will remain connected to its support vessels while it undergoes assessment in Kiliuda Bay, located about 30 miles north of Ocean Bay.
The Coast Guard CutterAlex Haley escorted the tow to Kiliuda Bay along with two oil spill response vessels and other support vessels. A 500-yard radius safety zone around the Kulluk followed the escort and remains in place in Kiliuda Bay.
Monitoring by the oil spill response vessels escorting the tow confirmed that there were no signs of a discharge of oil during the transit.
The combined fleet has 15,000 feet of boom should it be needed. Additional boom has been staged in various locations.
The Kulluk has been grounded since Dec. 31, after it broke tow during severe weather conditions.
Unified Command continues to coordinate with the Old Harbor Native Corporation to assist with any necessary cleanup activities. Additional spill response land resources have been staged in Old Harbor.
Yesterday afternoon, salvage teams successfully attached the main tow line to the Kulluk drilling unit.
The Salvage Master had the discretion to initiate the tow should favorable conditions occur throughout the night. At approximately 10:10 p.m., Jan. 6 the Kulluk was refloated.
The 210 meter long, 34622 dwt container ship Auguste Schulte went aground on a reef near Male, Maldives. The Auguste Schulte had arrived from Sri Lanka and was setting course to enter the harbour when it struck the reef. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Several tugs were able to refloat the Auguste Schulte a few hours later. Reports state the vessel had attempted to enter the harbor before the pilot was on board.
