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Challenger and Barge No. 1

Challenger and Barge No. 1

MV Challenger
Photo: kdlg.org

The 45 foot long motor vessel Challenger and Barge No. 1 sank in the Nushagak River near Kokwok, Alaska. The Challenger was  towing the barge in a side tow when both vessels capsized and sank.  The two crew on board were able to safely escape. The men were able to climb onto the overturn hull and never got wet.  The men were later safely rescued by a passing boat.  No reports of injuries. The barge was loaded with scrapped vehicles from New Stuyahok bound for Dillingham. Initial reports stated no pollution, but a later aerial survey spotted a sheen down river.  The cause of the sinking was not yet determined, but strong winds were reported in the area.

Fishing Time

Fishing Time

Fishing Time
Photo: uscg

On July 27, the 30 foot long fishing vessel Fishing Time suffered damage and water ingress off Valdez, Alaska. The Fishing Time was fishing off Valdez when the hull suffered a four inch crack allowing water ingress.  The crew requested assistance with the Coast Guard 45 foot long response boat from Valdez.  The Coast Guard arrived on scene and was able to safely transfer a dewatering pump along with a damage control kit to bring the flooding under control.  The Coast Guard escorted the Fishing Time to Cordova safely.  No reports of injuries to the two crew on board.

Kupreanof

Kupreanof

Kupreanof
Photo: uscg

On June 10, the 80 foot long fishing tender Kupreanof sank off Cape Fairweather, Alaska. The Kupreanof was en route to Petersburg to Bristol Bay when it suffered water ingress in six foot swells. The crew requested assistance and a Coast Guard helicopter from Sitka was dispatched to the scene.  When the helicopter arrived on scene, the Kupreanof was already awash at the stern.  The four crew had donned their survival suits and abandoned ship into the liferaft attached to the stern.  All four crew were rescued just in time as the vessel sank as the last person was hoisted to safety. No reports of injuries.  The Coast Guard reported that there was a release of diesel fuel into the water.

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