F/V Nor'Quest grdg-Bristol Bay, Alaska; NW side of Hagemeister Island

NW side of Hagemeister Island | 2011-May-25

Initial Notification: This is a potential spill. The F/V Nor’Quest lost anchor on the evening of May 24, 2011 and started to drift ashore towards the Hagemeister Island. The vessel captain notified the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) at 3:15 AM on May 25, 2011. Located within Hagemeister Strait within Bristol Bay and approximately 15 miles S/W of Togiak, Alaska. Lat/Long: 58º44.700N, 160º52.900W. The vessel captain estimates that 16,800 – 18,800 gallons of diesel fuel, 200 gallons of gasoline, 200 gallons of lube oil, 300 gallons of hydraulic oil, and 110 gallons of waste oil are on board the vessel. USCG has conducted an overflight with a C-130 and reported no visible sheen in the area. In addition the USCG contacted the USCG Pacific Strike Team for possible lightering support. The F/V Nor’Quest was unable to remove itself from the grounding location on this morning’s high tide. A second vessel owned by SRW Marine Services attempted to attach a tow line to the vessel but was unable to safely approach close enough. USCG has requested that the vessel operator develop a fuel removal plan and a vessel salvage plan.. Alaska Chadux Corporation, a spill response contractor, has also been notified and has been asked to stand by to assist with any sensitive area protection and spill cleanup if necessary. Vessel crew is attempting to cap the vessel fuel vents. On 29May at 2330 lightering ops commenced, and a total of 9,000 gallons of diesel was lightered off for a total of 12,000 gallons. 15 barrels of misc oils and 200 gallons of gasoline were removed from deck. Vessel was successfully refloated on 30May at 0430. Magone's divers have departed the scene. Intentions are to tow the vessel 3 miles off of Togiak Island to Nunavochak to anchor. A tow plan is to be submitted and upon plan approval and adequate weather conditions, the Nor'quest will be towed to Dutch Harbor. USCG personnel that was O/S is to arrive in Dillingham at 1700 30May, and both USCG members to return to Anchorage at 1530 on 01Jun