February 3, 2016
Press Release 2
CONTACT: 907-463-2835
JUNEAU, Alaska – Diving operations have commenced today for the removal of the Tug Challenger in Gastineau Channel.
Upon completion of today’s initial survey, divers reported no concerns for the following phases of the removal. A minor unrecoverable sheen was discovered during operations.
A Unified Command, consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has been established. In addition, members from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the National Weather Service are contributing to planning and safety of operations.
“We are working with our port partners and stakeholders to ensure open lines of communications and that all concerns are addressed,” said U.S. Coast Guard Commander Marc Burd, Acting Incident Commander. “Pairing the dedicated professionals of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation with the specialized knowledge that exists within the local community is the key to the safety and success of this operation.”
Tomorrow the dive team will continue to prepare rigging gear on the sunken vessel.
For more information on the Tug Challenger Removal, please contact the Joint Information Center at 907-463-2835.