F/V Starrigaven; Sweeper Cove, Adak Island, Aleutian Islands

Sweeper Cove, Adak Island, Aleutian Islands | 2000-Apr-19

Initial Notification: On April 19, the F/V Starrigaven, a 59-ft fishing vessel tied unmanned to the Adak docks in Sweeper Cove on Adak Island, was blown loose from its moorings and grounded on the south side of the bay on a rocky shoreline. Initially there was no pollution, as the steel hull of the vessel seemed to hold up against its rough landing surface. The vessel contained 2000 gals of diesel. Initial attempt to off load the fuel into barrels was not successful due to heavy weather conditions. Instead, the vessel was anchored , tied down, and all vents plugged to prevent any further movement of the vessel and possible release of fuel. By April 22, conditions were calm enough and the tide was higher, that the vessel was refloated and brought back over to the Adak docks, all the while being boomed. Some minor holes did occur in the hull, and an estimated 80 gallons of diesel were released at the grounding site. At the Adak docks, divers surveyed the hull and found numerous scrapes, indents, and cracks, all of which would have to be repaired. USCG district 17. Keyword: fishing vessel, diesel.