UPDATE: Unified Command responds to sinking vessel, diesel spill in Sitka

Responders from SEAPRO monitor containment boom around the motor vessel Pacific Venture near Sitka, Alaska, Sept. 3, 2015. A Unified Command was established in response to the sinking of the Pacific Venture Wednesday. Photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lewis Beck. Responders from SEAPRO monitor containment boom around the motor vessel Pacific Venture near Sitka, Alaska, Sept. 3, 2015. A Unified Command was established in response to the sinking of the Pacific Venture Wednesday. Photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lewis Beck.

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Unified Command responding to the sunken vessel Pacific Venture in Sitka reported that Global Diving & Salvage has been retained to perform a controlled removal of oil product and hazardous waste from the vessel Thursday.   

The motor vessel Seamount has been hired to serve as a dive platform for the product recovery effort.  Additional support has come from Sitka Tribe of Alaska and Silver Bay Seafoods. 

The Coast Guard and SEAPRO are actively monitoring the oil boom surrounding the vessel.  No reports of injuries or oiled fish or wildlife have been received.   Additional containment boom has been prepositioned at Indian River as a precautionary measure. 

“Work will continue in the area through the weekend, and mariners are reminded to observe any issued Notice to Mariners,” said Chief Warrant Officer Mike Wortman, Federal On Scene Coordinator Representative.  “Any vessels passing by the scene in the eastern channel of Sitka Sound are reminded to go slow and minimize their wake.”

For more information contact:

U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Jennifer Ferreira 907-463-2835

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Candice Bressler 907-465-5009