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Kulluk and Aiviq

Kulluk and Aiviq

Photo: uscg
Photo: uscg

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.

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 cutter Alex 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.

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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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CMM Coatzacoalcos

CMM Coatzacoalcos

The 31 meter long, 366 dwt tug CMM Coatzacoalcos sank in the Coatzacoalcos Quaschnick River near Coatzacoalcos, Mexico.  The tug was working on an underwater construction site when the tug suddenly sank.  Three of the crew on board were rescued, but the master and chief engineer perished.  Reports state the river conditions were difficult due to recent rainfall the previous days.  Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

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