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M/V Aoyagi Maru; Akun Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Akun Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska | 1988-Dec-10

Initial Notification: On December 10, 1988, the Aoyagi Maru, a 288-foot Japanese fish refrigerant vessel, grounded at Lost Harbor on the west side of Akun Island, Alaska, when a line caught in its screw after the fish were loaded from another vessel. An estimated 32,000 gallons of diesel, 78,000 gallons of bunker C, and 3,250 gallons of lube oil were on board when the vessel was blown aground. Despite the extremely inclement weather, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter RUSH was on the scene by December 11 to rescue the crew of 19. The Aoyagi Maru sustained holes in its engine room and two of its three holds. It was December 15 before weather permitted observers to reach the vessel. Reports indicated only a sheen around with the vessel with minimal pollution, with the water coming in through the holes in the bottom of the hull hydraulically supporting the bunker C. USCG district 17.

Incident Details
Products of concern:Diesel, bunker C lube oil
Total amount at risk of spill: 113,000 gallons
Latitude (approximate): 54° 11.36′ North
Longitude (approximate): 165° 33.42′ West