ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard is monitoring a beached fishing vessel in the Tatitilek Narrows near Ellamar Tuesday.
Marine Safety Unit Valdez personnel deployed to oversee pollution mitigation strategies after contractors were hired to assess the 51-foot fishing vessel Tempest’s condition. The contractor reported a 100-foot sheen in the vicinity of the vessel, and members of the Ellamar community have assisted response efforts, providing pollution reports and insight concerning the local waterway.
The Tempest was intentionally beached by its crew with approximately 30 gallons of diesel aboard March 9. The vessel was being used as a barge to shuttle supplies and lumber when it was beached.
No injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation.
“Marine Safety Unit Valdez, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Natural Resources are working together to eliminate this pollution threat,” said Lt. Jason Smilie, chief of prevention, MSU Valdez. “We would also like to thank the members of the Ellamar community for their assistance in the response efforts.”
For more information regarding this case, please contact the Coast Guard public affairs office at 907-428-4140.
Source: USCG
