Seward, Alaska
snow flurries, 25ยบ, north wind
Highlights:
KTVA Channel 11 from Anchorage covered the continuing preparations to raise the F/V Nordic Viking and reported on the 6 pm news.
Diver Karl VanBuskirk of Storm Chasers released a 500 gallon diesel fuel tank that breached the surface like a whale (!) and released a rainbow sheen. He also sealed up hull openings in preparation for raising the vessel,.
Alaska Cadux, a non-profit oil spill response organization based in Anchorage was on the scene coordinating oil containment booms and sorbent pads, rolls, and booms.
US Fish and Wildlife Service monitored wildlife in the harbor, along the Waterfront, and in the Lagoon. Fortunately, no distressed wildlife was noted. Longer term effects from ingesting oil are a concern. Thin, fluttering red mylar ribbon was installed over absorbent booms across the culvert in the Lagoon to prevent birds and other wildlife from approaching the booms.
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation on the scene, monitoring containment.
Seward Harbormaster Regis continued to monitor progress.
Thanks to all the agencies and individuals for driving down to Seward to help ensure containment of the diesel fuel, monitor wildlife, support preparations for a successful raising, and document this unfortunate event.
Seward is lucky to have a local qualified commercial diver and marine salvage contractor, Karl and Storm Chasers, on the scene.
As to why this vessel sank, local mariner Mike Brittain stated decisively that a sinking is due, 100% of the time, because it filled up with water. Fisherman Bob Linville further explained that the above water planks on old wooden boats such as this, may dry and shrink over time or the caulking may fail, resulting in a quick sinking.
Carol Griswold
Highlights:
KTVA Channel 11 from Anchorage covered the continuing preparations to raise the F/V Nordic Viking and reported on the 6 pm news.
Diver Karl VanBuskirk of Storm Chasers released a 500 gallon diesel fuel tank that breached the surface like a whale (!) and released a rainbow sheen. He also sealed up hull openings in preparation for raising the vessel,.
Alaska Cadux, a non-profit oil spill response organization based in Anchorage was on the scene coordinating oil containment booms and sorbent pads, rolls, and booms.
US Fish and Wildlife Service monitored wildlife in the harbor, along the Waterfront, and in the Lagoon. Fortunately, no distressed wildlife was noted. Longer term effects from ingesting oil are a concern. Thin, fluttering red mylar ribbon was installed over absorbent booms across the culvert in the Lagoon to prevent birds and other wildlife from approaching the booms.
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation on the scene, monitoring containment.
Seward Harbormaster Regis continued to monitor progress.
Thanks to all the agencies and individuals for driving down to Seward to help ensure containment of the diesel fuel, monitor wildlife, support preparations for a successful raising, and document this unfortunate event.
Seward is lucky to have a local qualified commercial diver and marine salvage contractor, Karl and Storm Chasers, on the scene.
As to why this vessel sank, local mariner Mike Brittain stated decisively that a sinking is due, 100% of the time, because it filled up with water. Fisherman Bob Linville further explained that the above water planks on old wooden boats such as this, may dry and shrink over time or the caulking may fail, resulting in a quick sinking.
Carol Griswold
