Marine Link
Friday, March 29, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Cold Bay News

03 Nov 2023

US Awards More than $653 Million for Port Projects

© druid007 / Adobe Stock

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced over $653 million to fund 41 port improvement projects across the nation under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).The investments—part of the largest dedicated funding for ports and waterways in history, nearly $17 billion through the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—are intended to help grow capacity and increase efficiency at coastal seaports, Great Lakes ports and inland…

12 Jan 2023

Injured Mariner Medevaced from Tanker off Alaska

(Photo: Scott Kellerman / U.S. Coast Guard)

An injured mariner was medevaced from a vessel 220 miles south of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard said.Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center, in Juneau, received the initial request for the medevac on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. from the crew of the Liberia-registered FPMC 33 after a crewmember on board had reportedly broken his legs.The watchstanders requested the tanker meet a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak aircrew, forward-deployed to Cold Bay, at a rendezvous point approximately 220 miles south of Dutch Harbor to safely embark the patient.

13 Aug 2021

Bulk Carrier Crewman Medevaced Near Alaska

An ailing mariner was medevaced from a bulk carrier near Cold Bay, Alaska, the U.S. Coast Guard said.At approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, the 17th District Command Center watchstanders received a call from the Alaska Maritime Agency in Dutch Harbor reporting the 42-year-old crew member was suffering from a possible stroke aboard the bulk carrier Restinga, 140 miles south of Dutch Harbor.At 2:01 p.m., an aircrew aboard a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft launched from Air Station Kodiak to respond to the incident. At 2:54 p.m., a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew, forward-deployed to Cold Bay, also launched to respond, while the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel made its way closer to Cold Bay.Both Coast Guard assets arrived on scene at approximately 4:30 p.m.

21 Sep 2020

RoRo Crewmember Medevaced Near Alaska

(Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

An ailing crewmember was medevaced from the vehicle carrier Morning Peace approximately 130 miles southwest of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Thursday, the U.S. Coast Guard said.At 1:32 p.m. Wednesday, Coast Guard watchstanders received a medevac request for a 48 year-old crewmember reportedly experiencing symptoms of appendicitis aboard the 653-foot, Marshall Islands flagged roll-on, roll-off vehicle carrier. The Duty Flight Surgeon was consulted and a medevac was recommended.Initially 530 miles south of Unalaska Island…

01 May 2020

Tanker Crewman Medevaced off Alaska

The crew aboard the Alaskan Navigator prepares a crew member to be medevaced by a Coast Guard helicopter crew 170 miles southwest of Cold Bay, Alaska, April 30, 2020. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Kodiak)

The U.S. Coast Guard medevaced a man Thursday from a U.S.-flagged oil tanker approximately 170 miles southwest of Cold Bay.A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak hoisted the ailing man at about 8 a.m. and flew him to Cold Bay where he was placed in the care of an awaiting LifeMed aircraft crew.Coast Guard watchstanders in the 17th District command center in Juneau received the request at about 1 p.m. Wednesday to hoist the 61-year-old man experiencing abdominal pain from the 905-foot Alaskan Navigator…

21 Feb 2018

Fisherman Medevaced NE of Cold Bay, Alaska

Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 44-year-old man

A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced a 44-year-old man from the fishing vessel Golden Alaska approximately 60 miles northeast of Cold Bay, Tuesday. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center received a medevac request from Health Force Partners for a man suffering from stroke symptoms Tuesday afternoon. Watchstanders notified the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac. The helicopter crew hoisted the man and safely transported him to Cold Bay for further transport by commercial services to Anchorage.

03 Aug 2016

US Coast Guard to Close Nine NDGPS Sites

The U.S. Coast Guard will close nine Nationwide Differential Global Positioning System (NDGPS) sites on Friday. In 2015, the Coast Guard, Department of Transportation (DOT) and Army Corps of Engineers proposed decommissioning 62 of the then-existing 84 NDGPS sites. After reviewing the Federal Register comments, the number of site closures was reduced to 37 sites, including 28 DOT inland sites and nine Coast Guard maritime sites: Cold Bay, Alaska; Lompoc, Calif.; Sturgeon Bay, Wisc.; Pickford, Mich.; Saginaw Bay, Mich.; Brunswick, Maine; Key West, Fla.; Elgin, Fla.; and Isabela, Puerto Rico. “With the numerous navigation tools available, we determined that this reduction in NDGPS sites does not pose a risk to the mariner,” said Cmdr.

24 Jun 2016

Ailing Mariner Medevaced off Alaska

An ailing crewmember aboard the fishing vessel Seafreeze Alaska was medevaced approximately 195 miles north of Cold Bay, Alaska, Thursday. A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, deployed aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Midgett, hoisted the 21-year-old man, who reportedly lost consciousness for 45 minutes, and transferred him to awaiting Guardian Flight emergency medical personnel in Cold Bay. Coast Guard 17th District watchstanders were notified at approximately 7:45 a.m. by personnel at Health Force Partners of a medical situation aboard the Seafreeze Alaska. Watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac. Crewmembers from Midgett rendezvoused with the vessel north of Cold Bay and launched the rescue helicopter crew.

08 Mar 2015

USCG Medevacs Mariner SE of Dutch Harbor, Alaska

A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, forward deployed in Cold Bay, Alaska, medevaced an ailing mariner off the Turkish-flagged 600-foot freight ship 26 Agustos approximately 230 miles southeast of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Saturday morning. The Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the 46-year-old man and transported him to awaiting emergency medical services in Dutch Harbor. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Communication Station Kodiak received notification that a mariner aboard the 26 Agustos was suffering from abdominal pain. Watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac. A Coast Guard Air Station…

13 Feb 2015

USCG Medevacs Fisherman near Cold Bay, Alaska

The Coast Guard medevaced a 36-year-old man from the 252-foot fishing vessel American Triumph approximately 92 miles north of Cold Bay, Alaska, Thursday. A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward deployed in Cold Bay safely hoisted the man and transported him to awaiting emergency medical services in Cold Bay. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center in Juneau were notified of the man’s injury by the crew of the American Triumph. It was reported two of the man's fingers were severed by a steel door. Watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended the medevac. "This case illustrates the importance of forward deploying our hoist capable helicopters in Alaska," said Lt. Cmdr.

17 Nov 2014

Mariner Medevaced from Bulker near Alaska

A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) helicopter crew medevaced a mariner from a 623-foot bulk carrier located approximately 75 miles southeast of Cold Bay, Alaska, Sunday. Coast Guard 17th District Command Center watchstanders received a call from the crew of ALLSEAS MARINE S.A.’s bulk carrier Mykonos Seas requesting medical assistance for an injured crewmember. The duty flight surgeon recommended the medevac, and the USCG Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk crew was launched out of Cold Bay to conduct the rescue. The helicopter crew hoisted the mariner and transferred him to commercial medical services in Cold Bay for further transport to Anchorage and additional medical care. "This case illustrates the importance of forward deploying our hoist capable helicopters in Alaska," said Lt. Cmdr.

22 Apr 2014

NOAA Begins Hydrographic Survey Season

Photo courtesy of NOAA

New data will update nautical charts around the country. As sure as spring arrives, NOAA vessels and independent contractors are hitting the seas for the nation's 180th hydrographic surveying season, collecting data for over two thousand square nautical miles in high-traffic U.S. coastal waters. "Nautical charts are the foundation for the nation's maritime economy, and NOAA hydrographers spend months at sea, surveying critical areas to ensure safe navigation for the shipping, fishing, and boating communities," said Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of the Office of Coast Survey.

26 Feb 2014

Mariner Medevaced near Alaska

A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, forward deployed in Cold Bay, medevaced a mariner from the 680-foot fish processing vessel Ocean Phoenix 85 miles northwest of Cold Bay, Tuesday, the USCG reported. The helicopter crew transported the man to the Cold Bay where they were met by commercial medevac services for further transport to Providence Medical Center in Anchorage. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center in Juneau received the request for medevac from the master of the Ocean Phoenix when a crewman suffered a severe injury to his left hand. The Coast Guard duty flight surgeon was contacted and concurred with the need for the medevac.

11 Feb 2014

USCG Medevacs Mariner near Alaska

A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew medevaced an ailing mariner from a vessel in the Bering Sea near Cold Bay today. The helicopter crew safely transported the man to emergency medical services in Cold Bay for a commercial flight to Anchorage. Coast Guard 17th District command center watchstanders received the medevac request from the crew of the 158-foot fishing vessel Arica and immediately directed the launch of the helicopter and aircrew from forward operating location Cold Bay. The aircrew rendezvoused with the fishing vessel and safely hoisted the mariner, who was reportedly suffering from abdominal pain. “Our forward operating locations allow us to minimize response times during particular fishing seasons throughout Alaska,” said Lt.

19 Dec 2013

Coast Guard Mourns Passing of Shipmate

Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18 as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. Photo courtesy Coast Guard Cutter Waesche.

Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18 as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. Obendorf’s family was by his side when he passed away in Swedish Hospital following surgery. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Petty Officer Obendorf's family and his shipmates aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche during this difficult time,” said Vice Adm. Paul Zukunft, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.

04 Dec 2012

Tug & Barge Salvaged Off Alaskan Coast

Response crews complete salvage of tug 'Polar Wind' & its barge 'Unimak Trader' from Ukolnoi Island, 40 miles east of Cold Bay. The five-person crew of the Polar Wind was rescued Nov. 13 after the tug ran aground and began taking on water. The crew was reportedly attempting to recover the barge after their towline parted. The fuel quantity aboard the Polar Wind at the time of the grounding was estimated to be more 20,500 gallons of diesel and the barge was reportedly carrying 1,800 gallons of diesel. “The teamwork between federal, state, local and tribal partners working together with industry resulted in an outstanding and professional response,” said Capt. Paul Mehler III, commander, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage.

26 Nov 2012

Tug & Barge Aground Alaskan Coast Await Inspection

US Coast Guard Unified Command deploy survey & response inspection crews to the vessels aground on Ukolnoi Island, 40 miles east of Cold Bay. The five-person crew of the tugbboat Polar Wind was rescued Nov. 13 after the tug ran aground and began taking on water, reportedly while they were attempting to recover the barge after their towline parted. The fuel quantity aboard the Polar Wind is stated as more than 20,500 gallons of diesel and the barge is reportedly carrying 1,800 gallons of diesel and 90 refrigerated cargo containers, 30 of which contain frozen fish. The crews will conduct dive surveys, assess the hull condition of the tug and use sonar to survey the area around the vessels.

05 Aug 2010

Coast Guard Foundation Honors USCG in Alaska

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced that its Biennial Alaska Awards Dinner in tribute to the United States Coast Guard will take place on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in Anchorage, Alaska. Honoring the heroic efforts of the guardians who enforce maritime law, protect our homeland and preserve the environment, this year’s gala Co-Chairs are Morgen Crow, executive director of the Coast Village Region Fund and Janis Ivanoff, vice president and chief executive officer of Norton Sound Economic Development Association. Alaska Governor Sean Parnell as well as United States Senators…

11 Dec 2002

One Dead, Two Injured on Log Carrier in North Pacific

Coast Guard rescue crews today are en route to Adak to medevac two crewmen who were injured while working aboard a log carrier 180 miles south of Adak Monday. The master of the 465-foot log carrier Borca contacted the Coast Guard requesting medical assistance. The master reported that while transiting the ship encountered rough weather. Three crewmen who were working below decks were tossed about and suffered severe injuries. The reported injuries included broken bones and possible head trauma. One of three injured crewmen died. A Coast Guard flight surgeon was consulted and recommended the two injured men be medevaced. The Coast Guard instructed the Borca’s master to change course and head toward Adak. An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and crew departed Kodiak at about 3:30 a.m.

03 Mar 2003

Coast Guard Commander Wins Honors

The Juneau Branch of the American Society of Engineers (ASCE) and the Juneau Chapter of the Alaska Society of Professional Engineers (ASPE) announced this year’s winner as Coast Guard Commander Virginia Holtman-Bell during their Feb. 22 Engineer’s Week Banquet and awards ceremony. The ASCE and ASPE chose Holtzman-Bell for the honors under the pretenses of two separate categories. They chose her for her leadership and vision as Coast Guard Civil Engineering Unit Juneau’s (CEU) commanding officer. Her position requires her to lead a 29-member team of civilian and military engineers whose efforts helped the team accomplish more than 50 civil engineering projects exceeding a value of 13 million dollars.