F/V Katmai; 100 mi w of Adak Is in Amchitka Pass

100 mi w of Adak Is in Amchitka Pass | 2008-Oct-22

Initial Notification: F/V Katmai sank at 0100 local time approximately 100 miles west of Adak Island in Amchitka Pass. The maximum potential spill is 16,000 gallons of diesel. No sheen has been sighted but some debris (life jackets) have been spotted. The incident occurred in 50 knot winds and was almost entirely a Coast Guard SAR case with CG helos, C-130's and vessels. Of the eleven folks on board, 4 were picked up alive, 5 bodies were recovered and 2 bodies were never located. The actual amount of fuel was 7000 gallons of diesel. On one occasion a vessel reported a sheen; however, when an aircraft arrived at the location shortly afterward, nothing was discernible. If a substantial amount of fuel was released, the NOAA SSC advised the CG that conditions were such that it would all evaporate and disperse in only a few hours.