Mystery Diesel Slick at Whittier Harbor; Whittier, Alaska

Whittier, AK 99693, USA | 2026-Jan-20

Initial Notification: On January 20, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Western Alaska & U.S. Arctic notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) regarding a diesel spill in Whittier Harbor, Alaska. A diesel slick measuring approximately 100 feet by 50 feet and 1/8" thick was currently contained within three slips at C Dock. A sheen extending roughly 100 feet by 200 feet was also visible. Sea otters had been observed in the immediate area. The USCG requested assistance in calculating the discharge volume based on these observations.