Tug Vessel Loses Power, Grounds, and Leaks Diesel in Neva Strait, Sitka, AK

Neva Strait, Sitka, AK | 2022-Mar-21

Initial Notification: At approximately 0400 on 21-Mar2022, the tug vessel Western Mariner lost power in Neva Straits, north of Sitka Sound, and was forced aground via contact from its tow barge Chichagos Provider. The Western Mariner has a total capacity for 45000 gallons of diesel. It is unknown how much fuel was onboard at the time of the grounding. The vessel is leaking diesel. MSD Sitka is requesting and trajectory and fates analysis for the leaking diesel.