F/V Phoenix; Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Umnak Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska | 1993-Apr-12

Initial Notification: On the morning of April 12, 1993, the USCG received a report that the F/V Phoenix was floundering just offshore Umnak Island in the Aleution chain, between Twin Lava Point and Derby Point. The vessel's rigging had become entangled in the rudder and was drifting helplessly towards the rocky shoreline on the northwest side of Umnak Island carrying 7,000 gallons of diesel. The western winds grounded and holed the vessel. All fuel was lost. A USCG lightering/salvage vessel arrived from Dutch Harbor and confirmed the complete loss of fuel. Various USCG overflights reported a mile or more of sheen being rapidly dispersed by west winds up to 35 knots. No wildlife was observed in the area. USCG district 17. Keyword: none.