A 9,000 gallon diesel fuel tanker has been spilling fuel into the Cook Inlet near Port Graham after 6-foot seas started tossing the vessel, which was aboard a landing craft.
The diesel tanker, the rear trailer of a semi, was on board a 116-foot landing craft, Thor’s Hammer, traveling from Seward to Bristol Bay when the breach occurred. Winds were clocked between 30 and 35 knots south of Port Graham.
The Coast Guard responded with the Cutter Mustang, a 110-foot patrol boat, on scene last night. The spill is believed to have been plugged. The landing craft did not suffer any serious damages.
According to the Guard, the owner of Thor’s Hammer contracted the Alaska Chadux Corporation to assist in containing and cleaning up the fuel.
“Our primary objective is to mitigate any potential environmental impact and to ensure the safety of all response personnel,” said Capt. Paul Mehler III, commander, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage. “The Coast Guard is continuing to work alongside federal, state and local agencies in response to the spill.”
Weather on scene was reported as southeast winds at 20 mph and 1-foot seas.