17th District Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: February 2, 2006
Contact: Public Affairs
(907) 463-2065

After 4 p.m. Alaska Standard Time, (907) 463-2000

Press Release

Tanker runs aground in Cook Inlet

KODIAK, Alaska - An oil tanker ran aground early this morning about a half mile north of Big Tender Stock in Cook Inlet.

The 575-foot double-hulled bulk tanker Sea Bulk Pride ran aground after breaking free from its moorings during loading operations at approximately 5:25 a.m. today. 

A Coast Guard HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak was launched to conduct an aerial survey for pollution. Additionally Coast Guard crews from Marine Safety Detachment Kenai and Marine Safety Office Anchorage are on scene with the grounded vessel.  The Captain of the Port reports the vessel's hull appears to be intact at this point.

The tug boats Monarch and Champion are on scene with the grounded vessel.

There were 34 people on board the Sea Bulk Pride when it ran aground.