T/B 256; Amchitka, Island, Aleutian Island Chain, Alaska

Amchitka, Island, Aleutian Island Chain, Alaska | 1989-Jan-18

Initial Notification: At approximately 0800 on January 17, 1989, the Foss Company's tank barge 256 holed itself at Bird Cape, Amchitka Island during heavy weather. The vessel was transferring diesel fuel to the U.S. Navy facility at Bird Cape when approximately 70 knot winds pushed the barge and the tug DANIEL FOSS over rocks, ripping holes in several cargo tanks. The total capacity of the barge was approximately 1,800,000 gallons of diesel. The DANIEL FOSS, with the barge in tow, moved from Bird Cape to Chitka Cove. As the weather permitted, the fuel transfer was completed by January 25. The barge apparently lost approximately 84,000 gallons of diesel. U.S. Navy personnel surveyed the beach from Bird Cape to Chitka Cove and found no evidence of the the spill on the beach. The case was closed on January 26. USCG district 17.