USCG Rescues 5 from Disabled Gulf of Alaska Fishing Tender

Coast Guard rescues five crewmembers from disabled 55 ft fishing tender southeast of Cordova in the Gulf of Alaska in heavy seas

The Coast Guard Communications Station in Kodiak received a mayday call from the tender, relayed by the fishing vessel Heidi Linea, reporting that they had experienced a loss of steering in 20-foot seas. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Cordova to respond.

All five crewmembers were safely hoisted and taken to Cordova.”

Later, the vessel St. Joseph was confirmed aground between Yakutat and Kayak Island on the Gulf of Alaska. An overflight revealed that the vessel was on the beach and a vehicle and portable storage tank were dislodged from the aft deck of the vessel and thrown ashore. The St. Joseph reportedly has 1,400 gallons of diesel aboard but responders report that there are no signs of pollution at this time.

“We are working diligently with the owner of the vessel to develop salvage and response plans to recover the St. Joesph from the beach,” said Lt. Doreen McCarthy, command duty officer of Marine Safety Unit Valdez. “At this time there is no reported pollution.”