F/V Defiance; Ketchikan, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska | 1988-May-20

Initial Notification: NOAA/OMA was notified of the situation at 1130 on May 20, 1988, by the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, Juneau, and asked for advice on the size and fate and effects of the potential oil slick. NOAA was also asked to advise on the environmental resources-at-risk if the vessel was allowed to sink. The NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator advised the Coast Guard that sinking the vessel could produce two scenario extremes. The most likely scenario would be a small, continuous leak from the tank's vent pipes. However, a catastrophic release of the entire fuel tank could occur any time during or after the sinking of the vessel. Since the vessel was subject to the Tongass Narrows currents, the visible extent of the slick and sheen could range from a few meters in length to a few thousand meters, respectively. NOAA suggested that the Coast Guard check the water depth at the pier because a partial sinking could result in a tidally induced pumping action which would cause a much greater rate of outflow of diesel fuel. Consultation with resource agencies revealed large populations of herring and chinook salmon, and thousands of seabirds, including 50 bald eagles, in the vessel's immediate vicinity. Any of these animals could be affected by a release. USCG district 17.