JUNEAU, Alaska — Coast Guard Sector Juneau personnel are responding to the sinking of the 80-foot fishing vessel Eyak approximately 13 miles south of Sitka Harbor, Monday.
Sector Juneau personnel will monitor the sunken vessel for signs of pollution until the owner can salvage the vessel.
Sector Juneau watchstanders received a call on VHF channel 16 from a crewmember aboard the Eyak stating they had run aground by Calligan Island and were taking on water. Watchstanders requested the launch of an Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew.
Alaska State Trooper and Sitka Search and Rescue crews arrived on scene and assisted with dewatering of the vessel. The Coast Guard helicopter crew arrived on scene and monitored the dewatering efforts until the crew of the Eyak was evacuated from the sinking vessel by the AST and Sitka Search and Rescue crews.
"We will assess the sinking to mitigate any pollution impact or hazards to navigation,” said Lt. Stacey Tate, command duty officer, Sector Juneau. "Protecting Alaska's pristine maritime environment is a priority to all of us who work and live here."
The vessel was reported to have approximately 500 gallons of fuel onboard at the time of the sinking.