Americas News
USCG Responds to Bunker Spill from Sunken Alaskan Tug
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) says that, along with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, it is responding to a spill of residual diesel fuel and oil leaking from a sunken tug, the 81-foot Powhatan, which sank at the pier on Wednesday evening and subsequently slid under the pier approximately 200 yards along an underwater ledge in Sitka.
SEAPRO is said to have placed boom around the vessel to contain the pollution.
"Our top priority is to protect public health, safety, and limit environmental impact as we work with the contracted companies to contain and clean-up the spill," said Petty Officer 1st Class Ken Farah, federal on scene coordinator representative for the incident.
"The Coast Guard and Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation are working together to guarantee an aggressive and effective response."
The tug, which has a total fuel capacity is 20,000 gallons, has been out of service for over ten years, with Samson Tug and Barge Company noting that only the forward fuel tank - with a maximum capacity 2,500 gallons - had been recently used, while the other fuel tanks had been drained.
Samson Tug and Barge Company is said to be developing a salvage plan for the vessel.
The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
