Crowley Barge Adrift; Diomede Islands, AK

Diomede Islands, AK | 2011-Sep-21

Initial Notification: An unmanned US-flagged barge carrying 140,000 gallons of aviation fuel broke free from the US-flagged Towing Vessel SINUK in the Bering Straits near the Diomede Islands. The tug has been unable to reacquire the barge due to weather conditions (46 mph winds, 10-15 foot seas). The Towing Vessel SINUK is shadowing the barge and providing hourly updates on position, weather, and intentions. The US-flagged Towing Vessel SIKU is enroute to nearby Wales, AK to provide additional support if needed. NOAA ERD is standing by to provide scientific support include vessel drift information. The freely drifting barge was successfully guided south through the Bering Straits where the SIKU was able to corral the barge and successfully tow it to Port Clarence for repairs and services. Case closed.