USCG Responds to Sunken Vessel Near Sitka, Alaska

 

The Coast Guard is responding to the sinking of a fishing vessel in Kelp Bay near Sitka Friday.

Coast Guard personnel from Sector Juneau, the Coast Guard Cutter Maple and Air Station Sitka examined the scene of the sunken 49-foot fishing vessel Sierra Allene and are working with the vessel's owner to mitigate the situation.

Watchstanders from the Sector Juneau command center received a radio call from the crew of the fishing vessel Irish when they discovered a portion of the Sierra Allene jutting out of the water.  The vessel's owner reported the Sierra Allene has approximately 600 gallons of diesel fuel on board.

“The Coast Guard is working with stakeholders and the owner to resolve the situation and protect nearby sensitive areas,” said Ens. Charles Fraizzell, Sector Juneau assistant incident management division chief.
The cause of the sinking is under investigation.

Please contact the Sector Juneau Command Center at 907-463-2990 for further information.