The 39 foot long fishing vessel Robert Henry went aground off Cape Arago near Charleston, Oregon. The vessel struck the rocks and began to break up releasing diesel fuel into the water. The vessel’s emergency signal alerted the Coast Guard who dispatched a helicopter to the scene. The helicopter was able to winch up the three crew on board. No reports of injuries. Reports states an oil sheen was visible around the vessel. The vessel had some 300 gallons of diesel fuel on board at the time. Authorities had hoped to repair and remove the Robert Henry, but the vessel broke-in-two with the stern section washed ashore. Salvagers plan to remove the wreckage. The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the incident.
The 266 foot diameter Shell oil exploration rig Kulluk went aground in the Gulf of Alaska off Sitkalidak Island, Alaska. The rig was en route to Seattle for maintenance under the tow of the 360 foot long tugboat Aiviq when it encountered heavy seas and strong winds. The Aiviq suffered a power blackout when its engines failed. Both vessels went adrift some 50 miles from Kodiak Island. The crew requested assistance with a coast guard cutter and another tug dispatched to the scene. The tug Guardsmaan arrived and took the Aiviq under tow. Shortly afterwards, the weather caused the towline to separate. Several attempts to keep the towline connected failed as the vessels continued to drift closer to Kodiak Island. A total of 18 crewmen were airlifted off the Kulluk to safety by Coast Guard helicopters. The storm increased with 30 foot waves and 70 mph gusts as the Kulluk ran aground off shore. No reports of injuries.
Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg
Severe weather around Kodiak Island was continuing to impede salvage operations involving the Kulluk. Crews have not been able to directly assess the situation on the oil rig. A Coast Guard helicopter did a visual inspection of the Kulluk and found the hull intact and no signs of pollution released. The Kulluk had some 150,000 gallons of diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid and lubricating oil on board at the time of the grounding.
The Coast Guard cutterAlex Haley and an additional support vessel are standing by to assist as needed. Unified Command continues to implement contingency plans, including staging spill response equipment to the area. The priorities for Unified Command continue to be the safety of personnel and the protection of the environment. Nearly 600 people are involved in the response.
The 150 foot long, 275 gt ro-ro ferry Frisco went aground in rough seas in Hatteras inlet near Hatteras Island. The ferry remain aground for several hours before it was able to be refloated. No reports of injuries to the 35 passengers and six crew on board. The Coast Guard was notified of the incident and provided assistance while the Frisco was aground. Conditions worsen suspending all ferry service in the area later the same day. No reports of damage or pollution released.
