July 27, 2010
Tuesday

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter rescue crew from Cordova responded to the Seattle-based 100-foot fishing vessel Cape Cross which went aground at 5 a.m. in Main Bay in Prince William Sound Monday.

Sector Anchorage command center received a VHF radio call at 11:15 a.m. from the captain of the fishing vessel Josie reporting that the Cape Cross had gone aground with seven crewmen aboard. The crew of the Josie safely retrieved all seven crewmembers.

The Cape Cross was reported taking on water Monday and listing 30-degrees to the port side. The helicopter crew arrived on scene with the Cape Cross at 1:15 p.m. and delivered two dewatering pumps to the crews of the Cape Cross and the Josie.

The Cape Cross is reported having 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel aboard, light sheening has been reported in the area.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez is coordinating the response to minimize any potential pollution to the area.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau command center is also monitoring three other fishing vessels that have gone aground in Southeast Alaska. The 34-foot fishing vessel Arcola ran aground at Swanson Harbor at 7:19 a.m., the 34-foot fishing vessel Windbreaker ran aground at Mab Island south of Berners Bay at 6:51 a.m. and the 69-foot crabbing vessel Chevelle ran aground east of Annette Island in Revillagigedo Channel at 4:30 a.m. Both the Windbreaker and the Chevelle successfully refloated with the tide however, the Chevelle sustained a three inch hole in the vessel. The Arcola was completely submerged and sank off of Swanson Harbor.

The Coast Guard worked with all vessel crews to minimize any potential environmental threat from the more than 5,000 gallons aboard the three vessels

In all three cases there were no injuries or pollution reported.

"We were lucky in these cases that there were no reported injuries," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Komrosky, Sector Anchorage watchstander. "Mariners are responsible for knowing where they are navigating at all times. We encourage all mariners to practice safe boating techniques, including using maritime charts and navigation equipment and to maintain an alert watch to ensure safe navigation in Alaska's diverse waterways."

The Coast Guard has responded to more than 23 distress calls within the last week and wants to remind the boating community to stay safe by utilizing safe boating practices while on Alaska's waterways.

Source of News:

United States Coast Guard
www.usgc.mil

 

SitNews ©2010
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska