Coast Guard rescues 3 from grounded vessel in Peril Strait, Alaska

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 03/21/2018 11:34 PM EDT

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News Release

  

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
Office: (907) 487-5700
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Coast Guard rescues 3 from grounded vessel in Peril Strait, Alaska

The fishing vessel EH is hard aground approximately 30 miles north of Sitka, Alaska, in the Peril Strait, March 21, 2018. An Air Station Sitka aircrew rescued three people after they initiated a mayday call via VHF Channel 16. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Williams. The 40-foot steel hull commercial fishing vessel EH is hard aground at Saook Point, approximately 30 miles north of Sitka, Alaska, March 21, 2018. Marine Safety Detachment Sitka personnel are working with the responsible party in monitoring the response to ensure pollution mitigation is effective. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Keith Williams.
Editor's note: Click on above images to download high resolution imagery.

KODIAK, Alaska – A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued three people after their fishing vessel grounded in Peril Strait, Wednesday.

The Jayhawk helicopter crew landed on shore and embarked the three individuals. They were taken to Air Station Sitka in good condition.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a mayday call via VHF Channel 16 from the 40-foot steel hull commercial fishing vessel EH crew asking for assistance after the vessel ran hard aground and began taking on water at Saook Point, approximately 30 miles north of Sitka. The EH crew reported they were not in danger, but expected to lose communications. They had a life raft ready to use if needed.

Sector Juneau watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast asking if nearby vessels could assist. An Air Station Sitka Jayhawk helicopter crew was directed to launch.

The Jayhawk helicopter crew reported a 100-foot sheen, and it was reported that the EH has a potential of 120 gallons of diesel fuel on board.

Marine Safety Detachment Sitka personnel are responding to the grounding of the vessel EH. It was reported that diesel discharged from the fishing vessel’s vents, and the fuel tanks are now isolated. The owner is creating a salvage plan for the EH. There are no reports of affected wildlife in the area.

“MSD Sitka will continue to work with the responsible party as they take action,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Ken Farah, a marine science technician with MSD Sitka. “We will monitor to ensure adequate progress is being made and their efforts to mitigate pollution is effective.”

The cause of the grounding is under investigation.

 

-USCG-