ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Personnel from the Coast Guard, Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska Department of Conservation, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Cook Inlet Regional Citizen Advisory Council are responding to a report of a landing craft with a punctured fuel tanker on board in southeastern Cook Inlet, south of Port Graham, Saturday.
The crew of a 116-foot landing craft, Thor’s Hammer, were transiting from Seward to Bristol Bay when the vessel reportedly encountered heavy seas which caused a breach in the 9,000-gallon diesel-fuel tanker on board.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang, a 110-foot patrol boat, was diverted to the vessel's location. The Mustang is expected on scene Saturday evening.
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 is reported as southeast winds at 20 mph and 1-foot seas.