MV Spirit of 98; Tracy Arm, AK

Tracy Arm, AK | 1999-Jul-27

Initial Notification: The Coast Guard MSO Juneau office reported that at 0900 on July 27, the 174' cruise ship, M/V Spirit of 98, hit a rock in Tracy Arm in Southeastern Alaska. The approximate location is around the right angle bend roughly 16 miles north of the mouth of Tracy Arm. The collision resulted in a hole in the engine room, but preliminary indications are that no fuel tanks were ruptured. The vessel was taking on water and the Coast Guard rushed pumps to the scene to keep the vessel from sinking. The 120 people on board were successfully removed,and six crew members stayed behind to help maintain the vessel. It was reported that the vessel was carrying 12,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Weather on scene was reported to be zero ceiling and rain. USCG district 17.