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Polar Wind and Unimak Trader Update

Polar Wind and Unimak Trader Update

Photo: dec.alaska.gov

The 78 foot long tug Polar Wind and 250 foot long barge Unimak Trader remain aground near Ukolnoi Island, Alaska since November 13.   The vessels were headed to Dutch Harbor from Sand Point with 90 containers when the tug became disabled and was blown ashore in heavy seas.  The five crew on board the Polar Wind were later rescued by the Coast Guard.   Reports state there was some pollution spotted in the water near the grounded vessels.   The barge had some 1,200 gallons of fuel on deck while the tug had some 20,500 gallons of diesel fuel on board.   A boom was placed around the vessels to help contain any pollution released.

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Polar Wind

Polar Wind

Photo: fremonttugboat.com

The 32 meter long tug Polar Wind went aground in Cold Bay, Alaska.  The tug was towing a barge with 90 containers when it struck by bad weather with 8 foot seas and winds reaching 40 miles per hour.   The crew contacted the Coast Guard who dispatched a helicopter the scene.  The helicopter was able to winch all five crewmen to safety.  The Coast Guard will monitor the situation for any pollution released.  Reports state the Polar Wind has suffered some water ingress.  No details on the status of the barge.

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Moonlight Maid

Moonlight Maid

 

The 33 meter long fishing vessel Moonlight Maid sank near Resurrection Bay, Alaska.  The Moonlight Maid began to sink in bad weather with high winds and 13 foot seas.  The vessel contacted the Coast Guard that the crew of four on board were abandoning ship.  The crew had donned their survival suits and went into the lift raft.   A Coast Guard helicopter arrived on scene and safely hoisted the crew aboard.  No reports of injuries.   The Moonlight Maid had some 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time of the sinking.   The Coast Guard plans to monitor the area for possible signs of pollution and debris.

 

The SC 536 while on the Great Lakes. Photo: History of Great Lakes Collection

The Moonlight Maid was originally a sub chaser name the SC 536.   The vessel was built by Peterson Boat Works, Sturgeon Bay Wisc., commissioned 4/23/1942 as PC 536, later reclassified as SC 536. It served in the South Pacific, doing patrols in Saipan,  Tinian and Guam. After the war, the vessel was sold and used in the fishing industry.

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