Update: Tug Challenger Removal, dewatering to resume Monday

The Tug Challenger is partially raised from Gastineau Channel near Juneau, Alaska, Feb. 21, 2016. A spanner bar and slings were used to distribute the weight of the vessel. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The Tug Challenger is partially raised from Gastineau Channel near Juneau, Alaska, Feb. 21, 2016. Crews plan to decontaminate the vessel once it is dewatered. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) A crane is prepared to raise the Tug Challenger from Gastineau Channel near Juneau, Alaska, Feb. 21, 2016. A spanner bar set with slings will be used to lift the vessel. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) A spanner bar and slings are prepared to hoist the Tug Challenger from Gastineau Channel near Juneau, Alaska, Feb. 21, 2016. Once the vessel is raised, crews plan to decontaminate it. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

JUNEAU, Alaska – Hoisting of the Tug Challenger in Gastineau Channel has been suspended for the evening and will resume Monday. 

The Unified Command will meet with Global Diving and Salvage, Inc to re-evaluate the dewatering strategy. 

After rigging and successfully testing the lifting gear, the salvage crew partially hoisted Tug Challenger today.  Due to the position of the Tug when raised, the crew was unable to complete dewatering as planned. The salvage crew and the Unified Command determined it was prudent to stay operations for the night and continue the hoisting process in the morning.

“As we work with our team of professionals during this complex operation, we must remain flexible to ensure safety,” said Capt. Shannan Greene, federal on scene coordinator. “We hope this good weather continues and we look forward to making more progress tomorrow.”

For more information on the Tug Challenger Removal, please contact the Joint Information Center at 907-463-2835 or visit the Sector Juneau Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SectorJuneau