The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Spill Prevention and Response provided an update regarding the diesel spill following a tug grounding in Neva Strait just northwest of Sitka on Monday and response actions are ongoing as authorities continue cleanup. The 83.7-foot tug vessel, Western Mariner, was towing the freight barge, Chichagof Provider, heading south in Neva Strait outside of Sitka when a temporary steering failure onboard the Western Mariner caused the barge to collide with the tug. The collision pushed the tug onto the beach, resulting in the release of diesel, according to the original report.
An estimated 3,000 gallons of diesel were lightered from a ruptured tank aboard the tug, and approximately 850 gallons of diesel has been recovered from the water within the containment boom area. At this time, a small amount of fuel remains. According to Global Diving and Salvage, two sources of fuel ingress into the vessel’s engine room were identified. They are in the process of preventing additional fuel from entering the engine room. An estimated 30,000 gallons of diesel remain onboard the tug and will be pumped off prior to salvage operations.
The Southeast Alaska Petroleum Response Organization arrived in Sitka with an oil spill response vessel, which is equipped with 500 feet of containment boom, an onboard skimmer, and storage capacity for up to 55 barrels of recoverable fuel. An additional 9,000 feet of boom and three vessels are on standby in Sitka.
While transiting from the grounding site to Sitka Tuesday afternoon, a small vessel participating in the response operations capsized due to high winds and rough sea conditions. All four people were safely recovered with no injuries and the capsized boat was towed to shore.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.
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