Grounded Cordova Vessel Under Coast Guard Watch

A 77-foot integrated tug 'Hook Times' & barge home ported in Cordova is grounded on the Gulf of Alaska coast, 60 miles southeast of Cordova, as salvage plans continue, with the situation being monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard, reports The Cordova Times.

Citing US Coast Guard officials, The Cordova Times explains that The Hook Point-Alaganik, with two people on board, was working on a tsunami debris cleanup project on the Alaskan coast on July 24 when the vessel encountered a combination of heavy waves, strong currents and river ice from the mouth of the Seal River.

River currents caused the vessel to swing broadside into the waves, lifting the vessel up and then down directly onto large pieces of river ice. The impact with the ice broke the mechanical system holding the tug Hook Point and barge Alaganik together and both were washed up onto the beach. The crew came ashore safely.

As of late on July 27, all recoverable fuel and oil had been removed from the vessel, a total of 1,740 gallons of diesel fuel and 225 gallons of hydraulic and miscellaneous fluids. All fuels and liquids are being stored in containers above the high water line and both the tug and barge remain on the beach. No sheen has been reported since the time of the incident.

Source: The Cordova Times