UPDATE 9: Final preparations underway for lifting fishing vessel Aleutian Isle

UPDATE 9: Final preparations underway for lifting fishing vessel Aleutian Isle 

SEATTLE -- Response crews working to salvage the fishing vessel Aleutian Isle successfully rigged all  required cables to lift the vessel out of the water and place on a barge near Sunset
Point on San Juan Island Friday.   
 
The 58-foot fishing vessel spent over a month under 200 feet of water in Haro Strait, after it sank on
Aug. 13 off the west side of San Juan Island, Washington. 
 
The exact date and time of the imminent lift depends on tide, current, and onscene weather conditions.
In preparation, the Unified Command is executing a pollution mitigation strategy to minimize fuel
leaks. Dive crews already plugged all known fuel vents and secured all valves, but it is likely that there
will be sheening visible during the lift operations from fuel coming free that was trapped in the vessel.   
 
It is difficult to predict how much fuel might come out. The anticipated amount could cause a moderate
sheen, but not enough to cause significant environmental risk. Regardless, preparations are being made
for a much larger discharge.   
 
It is important to remember that even small quantities of diesel fuel spread quickly, and unlike heavier
oils, diesel can be very difficult to recover. Diesel fuel vaporizes quickly, which causes it to stay in the
environment for less time than other fuels. The goal is to prevent any spilling, however, experts and
extensive resources are being used and ready to respond to any size release.    
 
Currently, 7,300 feet of boom are already deployed in geographically sensitive areas with much more on
stand-by. Aerial surveys are done multiple times daily, and equipment like skimmers are available to
deploy. Wildlife monitoring crews such as Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) teams
continue to patrol ecologically sensitive areas and whale deterrence teams are ready to deploy if any
species of whale come near the response. Additional teams will be on the water to look for wildlife and
deter birds away from any sheening as well as community air monitoring. 
 
Once the boat is lifted, it will be placed on a barge that is lined with protective barriers to prevent
additional pollution, and the barge will be fully boomed as an additional precaution. Once secured, the
recovered vessel will be barged to a mainland facility for assessment. 
 
The 1,000-yard safety zone continues to be in-place until Sept. 26. Boaters who violate the safety
zone and cause severe wakes endanger response personnel. Unlawfully entering the safety zone can
impede the operation of heavy equipment. This complicated phase of recovery, working in extreme
depths, requires optimal environmental conditions and tidal currents conducive for raising the vessel.  
 
To contact the U.S. Coast Guard directly reach out on VHF marine-band radio channel 16. Persons
violating the safety zone can receive a civil penalty. The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around the
Aleutian Isle wreck site has been extended until Oct. 15. This TFR is in effect for both manned and
unmanned aircraft. Response crews are working under very challenging conditions and aircraft can be a
distraction. 
 
If the public sees uncontained sheening, please call the National Response Center at: 800-424-8802. If
you encounter oiled wildlife, please contact 800-22-BIRDS. 
 
#AleutianIsle  

Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound   
Washington Department of Ecology   
NOAA Fisheries Service  
San Juan County Office of Emergency Management   
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

-USCG-