F/V Westerly; Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska | 1994-Feb-15

Initial Notification: The 80-foot F/V Westerly, preparing for crab fishing in Glacier Bay National Park with crab pots stacked high on its decks, was rendered unstable by high winds. The vessel sank just south of Strawberry Island in 37 fathoms of water with roughly 1,500 gallons of diesel onboard. Because the high winds made on-site assessment impossible, the National Park Service (NPS) conducted overflights. The overflights showed minor sheening for several days, decreasing to nothing. No response was possible or necessary. Salvage possibilities were discussed with NPS personnel, who would have liked to have the vessel removed, but recognized the risk and expense for such an operation may make removal impossible. The case was closed on February 18. USCG district 17. Keyword: none.