Fifteen Vessels Sunk at Dock in SE Alaska Harbors

Juneau, AK, USA | 2025-Dec-31

Initial Notification: --- This incident has been revised to reflect the multiple vessels sunk in four Southeast Alaska communities that are being currently managed as a single incident by the USCG and the NOAA SSC. --- On January 2, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Southeast Alaska informed the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) that eight vessels had sunk at various docks in Juneau, Alaska between December 29-31, 2025, due to heavy snow and ice. The USCG is coordinating with the owners and harbor masters to defuel and refloat the boats. Phone support was provided to USCG on the persistence of diesel or gasoline in harbors. January 5, 2026 update: Ice in the harbors is slowing or preventing dive operations to refloat the vessels. The vessels range in size from 16 to 58 feet. Dozens more vessels are at risk as additional snow accumulates. National Weather Service officials report that more than 80 inches of snow has fallen at Juneau International Airport this December, making it the city’s second snowiest month ever recorded. The month-long record was set in February 1965 at 86.3 inches. For reference, Juneau averages around 88 inches of snow all winter. Forecast for January 5, 2026: Additional snow accumulations of 8 to 15 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. January 9, 2026 update: USCG Sector Southeast Alaska informed the SSC that fifteen vessels had sunk at various southeast Alaska docks due to the heavy snow and ice between December 24, 2025 and January 5, 2026: Juneau (11), Sitka (2), Haines (1), and Hoonah (1).