Ferry LaConte Grounding; Peril Strait, AK

Peril Strait, AK | 2004-May-11

Initial Notification: The Alaska State Ferry, M/V LaConte, grounded in clear and calm weather on Cozian Reef at the north end of Peril Strait on Admiralty Island in SE Alaska on May 11, 2004. The vessel was hard aground and suffered significant damage, including multiple stress fractures. However, no oil (deisel) was released. Nevertheless, boom was deployed around the vessel and lightering commenced up to 3000 gallons remaining onboard as an operational supply. A substantial amount of response equipment was on-scene and a salvage barge was en route from Seattle. Potential harbors of refuge were evaluated in the vicinity of Cozian Reef. Arrangements were made for bird hazing in the event of an oil release impacting nearby tidal flats. Resource experts from both NOAA Fisheries and the US Fish and Wildlife Servcie were consulted and assisted in assessment of resources at risk. The LaConte was stabilized and anchored at Cozian Reef for the lightering and for temporary patches to the hull prior to towing the vessel to Ketchikan for permanent repairs in their drydock facility. The ferry was refloated and moved off the reef on May 17, and after confirming that the temporary patches were adequate, the vessel was towed to Ketchikan for repairs.