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.
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.
