KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard responded to the sinking of a fishing vessel near the mouth of the Igushik River, Sunday.

The Coast Guard deployed personnel and assets to the site of the overturned 78-foot fishing vessel Lone Star to assess the situation and work with the owner to minimize the threat of pollution to the environment. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game conducted an over flight of the site and reports a narrow sheen extending approximately four miles.

Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a mayday call from a crewmember aboard the fishing vessel at 6:55 a.m. stating that while at anchor a change in tide swung the ship against the anchor chair, detaching the transducer and coolant lines. This created a hole in the steel hull and caused the vessel to take on water.

Good Samaritans aboard the nearby vessel Tradition responded to the report of the sinking vessel. They rescued the four fishermen aboard in good condition and transported them to Dillingham.

The Lone Star is currently overturned and partially submerged in 18-feet of water and reportedly has 14,000 gallons of diesel, 150 gallons of lube oil, 150 gallons of hydraulic fluid and 250 gallons of gasoline aboard.

“Our Coast Guard personnel are highly trained to respond to these types of situations,” said Lt. Jason Gangel of Coast Guard Sector Anchorage. “The safety of the personnel responding to the overturned fishing vessel, and the protection of the maritime environment are our top priority.”

The Coast Guard will be working closely with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Department of the Interior and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure a timely and thorough response to this event.

Sector Anchorage has issued a broadcast notice to mariners stating that the vessel is overturned 3.5 miles north of the mouth of the Igushik River and vessel crews in the area should maintain a sharp lookout to avoid collision.