F/V Billy and I; San Fernando Island, southeast Alaska

San Fernando Island, southeast Alaska | 1993-Aug-21

Initial Notification: Shortly before midnight on August 20, 1993, the F/V Billy and I was reportedly taking on water near the south end of San Fernando Island, west of Prince of Wales Island, in southeast Alaska. When the USCG arrived, the vessel was at a 90 degree list to the port side and there was a sheen in the water. The vessel carried 600 gallons of diesel. With the help of private boats, the owner was able to close all vents from which fuel could escape. A day tank located on the upper part of the vessel released approximately 10 gallons of diesel. A hole on the starboard side two feet below the waterline was patched with plywood and visqueen material. Sorbent boom was placed around the Billy and I, but the amount collected was minimal because wind and tidal action caused the sheen to dissipate rapidly. After being dewatered on the previous low tide, the vessel refloated on the incoming tide and was towed into Craig and put on the grid. The winds during the incident were from the south-southeast, 20-30 knots. USCG district 17. Keyword: evaporation.