Tank ships operated by the Alaska Tanker Company (ATC), ALASKAN NAVIGATOR and the ALASKAN FRONTIER were outfitted with new anchors and are back in service. Two other tank ships, the ALASKAN LEGAND and ALASKAN EXPLORER each had a new temporary anchor installed and are operating under restrictions outlined by the Coast Guard.
The decision to replace all the anchors on these vessels were made by ATC after it was discovered the original anchors were showing signs of metal failure. The Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology and Alaska Tanker Co. are still investigating the cause of the failure of the anchors.