KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working hard to salvage a vessel that sank early this morning in St. Herman Harbor. The FWS research vessel Arluk was discovered by the Harbormaster around 3:30 a.m. Upon discovery, a containment boom was deployed around the vessel to minimize pollution.
The Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment was notified and personnel arrived on-scene at 3:50 a.m. The MSD is working with the wildlife service and Lazy Bay LLC personnel to plug any openings and refloat the 63-foot vessel.
Bruce Woods is a spokesperson for the wildlife service and said it is not immediately known why the Arluk sank. He said there is no point in speculating on the cause until the vessel is refloated and can be further investigated. As of 4 p.m. this (Friday) afternoon, Woods said it had already been raised a couple of feet. He expects it will be fully refloated by Saturday morning.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst said the Coast Guard is working hard to mitigate any potential environmental impacts from the sinking. He said there was reported to be about 1,500 gallons of diesel fuel onboard when the vessel sank.
