F/V Chevak; St. Paul Island, Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea

St. Paul Island, Pribilof Islands, Bering Sea | 1994-Feb-22

Initial Notification: Due to an apparent navigational error, the F/VChevak ran aground on a rocky reef complex off the southern tip of St. Paul Island, one-half mile due west of Sea Lion Rock. Ten foot breakers compromised the structural integrity of the vessel, and it is believed that most of the fuel was lost to the sea; even if a catastrophic loss occurred, offshore winds from 35 to 40 knots would disperse it quickly. A small boat rescue crew from the USCG Cutter Hamilton retrieved the six people onboard and reported no visible sheen in the vicinity. A USCG MSO representative was aboard the M/V Mary J immediately downwind of the vessel three days after the grounding and reported no visible sheen on the water. The intense winds and heavy breakers near the vessel prevented any on-scene assessment for six weeks. However, the vessel's owner had a diving party standing by to respond if the weather improved. On April 25, the vessel's owner removed the remaining fuel and in early May an attempt was made to salvage the vessel; however, when it was pulled off the rocks into deeper water it sank. USCG district 17. Keyword: none.