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Tag: Alaska

Predator

Predator

Predator
Photo: uscg

On Feburary 13, the fishing vessel Predator ran hard aground near Akutan, Alaska. The fishing vessel had ran aground in 10 foot seas and 25 mph winds just off the shore.  The hull struck the seabed hard resulting in an 8 inch crack in the hull allowing water ingress into the vessel.  The three crew on board attempted to control the water ingress with the vessel’s pumps, but the flooding was too much for the pumps to handle.

The crew then requested assistance with a Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter dispatched to the scene. The helicopter arrived a short time later  and hoisted off all three crewman to safety. No reports of injuries.

The Coast Guard stated they will monitor the Predator for any potential release of pollution. Additional reports state that salvage may not be possible due to the extent of hull damage already sustained to the fishing vessel.

Destination

Destination

Destination
Photo: saltydogboatingnews.com

On February 11, the 98 foot long fishing vessel Destination was reported missing and presumed lost in the Bering Sea northwest of St. George Island, Alaska. The Coast Guard received an automated EPIRB signal (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon) from the fishing vessel around 7:15 a.m. Saturday morning.

The Coast Guard dispatched helicopters and directed two nearby vessels to search for the Destination. Citizens on St. George Island began searching the shoreline for possible survivors or any signs of the fishing vessel.

By 10 a.m. the beacon was found in a debris field that included a buoy and life ring that had the fishing vessel’s name on it. An oil sheen was visible in the water indicating the vessel may have foundered in the vicinity.

Destination
Photo: komonews.com

Conditions were reported to be typical in the area with snow showers, waves reaching 2 to 3 meters and winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour.

The Coast Guard confirmed there were six crew on board the Destination when the vessel departed from Seattle.

A Coast Guard cutter from Dutch Harbor was dispatched and expected to be on site to aid in the search and rescue efforts.

 

Pacific Star

Pacific Star

Pacific Star

On February 2, the 52 foot long fishing vessel Pacific Star suffered water ingress near Lituya Bay, Alaska. The fishing vessel reported to the Coast Guard the Pacific Star had sustained water ingress through a hatch in the stern of the vessel.  The pumps on board the fishing vessel were unable to control the flooding and there was the risk the vessel would sink.

The Coast Guard dispatched helicopters from the Sitka and Kodiak stations. An hour later the Jayhawk helicopter from Sitka arrived on scene. The helicopter lowered a dewatering pump to the Pacific Star. The crew of the Pacific Star were able to get the pump running and brought the flooding under control.

The Pacific Star proceeded under its own power to Graves Harbor while being escorted by the helicopter from Kodiak. There the crew were able to make repairs and dewater the Pacific Star.  The following day, the Pacific Star proceed back to Sitka escorted by another fishing vessel Sherrie Marie.  No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released.