Pacific Producer Refloated, Awaits USCG Inspection in Ouzinkie

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT

The fish processing vessel that ran aground almost two weeks ago has been refloated. On March 15 the M/V Pacific Producer ran aground near the village of Ouzinkie. At the time of the grounding it had an estimated 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board, as well as various lubes and oils. According to a situation report from the Department of Environmental Conservation the vessel was refloated on Sunday without assistance from the salvage team. During the vessel’s stint aground no spills were reported. Once afloat, the Pacific Producer was able to travel to the harbor in Ouzinkie under its own power. A dive survey conducted Tuesday determined the hull to be intact, but the vessel must remain in the harbor until the Coast Guard approves otherwise.