M/V ATLANTIC SEAHORSE; Cook Inlet, Alaska

Cook Inlet, Alaska | 1991-Aug-14

Initial Notification: On August 13, 1991, a work boat, 210-foot motor vessel ATLANTIC SEAHORSE under contract to ARCO Alaska Inc. crashed the Glomar Adriatic 8 drilling rig, ruptured a fuel tank, and spilled approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel into the water. The collision occurred approximately 4 miles offshore of the North Forelands in Upper Cook Inlet. With fuel leaking from her ruptured fuel tank, the ATLANTIC SEAHORSE was pinned against the drilling rig by heavy tidal currents for about 90 minutes. Cook Inlet Spill Prevention and Response, Inc. (CISPRI), the area cleanup cooperative, arrived and began skimming the surface and laying down containment boom and absorbent materials. The spill at this point was described as a light sheen on the surface measuring about 2 miles long and 250 yards wide. USCG district 17.