M/V Yorktown Clipper; Geikie Rock in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Geikie Rock in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska | 1993-Aug-18

Initial Notification: At 1600 on August 18, 1993, the cruise vessel M/V Yorktown Clipper ran aground on the charted Geikie Rock, about 20 miles up Glacier Bay. The weather was clear and calm at the time of the incident. The vessel incurred major damage to the bow section. Approximately 100 gallons of diesel was released into the water from a 7,200 gallon bow fuel tank before the large influx of water created a water bottom. The vessel was rapidly taking on water and in danger of sinking, but the USCG provided air-deployable pumps that curbed the onrush of water. The Yorktown Clipper limped into Shag Cove, a small arm in Glacier Bay, under its own power where the it was boomed while divers, salvers, and marine architects worked to evaluate, stabilize, and patch the holes with wood plugs, epoxy, and concrete. Because the vessel was within the bounds of Glacier Bay National Park, park service personnel were concerned about an additional release of diesel as it exited Glacier Bay. With NOAA assisting, they evaluated resources, made contingency plans, and issued the following conditions under which the vessel could leave the Bay: 1) The vessel will get underway shortly before high tide and transit the bay at ebb tide at no more than five knots down the main channel 2) An LCM with pollution response equipment will escort the ship 3) Speed outside Glacier Bay will be determined by the vessel's master 4) The vessel will make periodic security broadcasts while inside Glacier Bay The vessel safely exited the Bay on August 24. Media interest was very high throughout the event because the incident occurred in a National Park. USCG district 17. Keyword: evaporation, salvage, air activated pumps.