'Kulluk' Update: Preparations for Tow Progressing
The 'Unified Command' continues to oversee preparations for the next steps in the 'Kulluk' response.
Multiple entities remain involved including: the U.S. Coast Guard, Shell, the State of Alaska, Smit Salvage and Det Norske Veritas.
- Unified Command’s priority continues to be the safety of all personnel and the environment.
- Tow equipment has been secured and is currently in Kodiak.
- The Kulluk’s openings on the main deck (i.e., windows and hatches) have been secured and in some cases temporary steel structures have been added to close the openings to make the vessel water- and weather-tight for potential tow operations. A few remain open to allow for ongoing operations.
- Close coordination with the communities of Kodiak and Old Harbor is ongoing.
- Old Harbor Native Corporation, in collaboration with Unified Command, continues to develop plans to access the shoreline and surrounding area to clean up life boat debris.
- The UC has received confirmation from naval architects that the damage sustained by the grounding poses no threat to the stability or integrity of the Kulluk while anchored in Kiliuda Bay. The next step is an analysis of this data to determine the best course of action to relocate the Kulluk for permanent repairs. The UC will not speculate on this next step until the DNV and USCG give their recommendations for safely relocating the Kulluk.