Seabulk Pride sucessfully refloated
KENAI, ALASKA – February 3, 2006 – At approximately 8:34 a.m. local time today, the time chartered vessel Seabulk Pride was safely and successfully refloated. As of 8:40 a.m., the vessel was making its way under its own power toward Homer with two tug escorts. The Unified Command, in conjunction with the vessel’s owner and operator, Seabulk Tankers, Inc., is in the process of completing the next steps in approving a safe transit plan for the tanker. Marine surveyors are conducting inspections of the tanker.The Seabulk Pride was loading refined product at the Tesoro dock in Nikiski when it was struck by an ice floe and broke away from the dock. Approximately five barrels (210 gallons) of heavy vacuum gas oil (HVGO) and unleaded gasoline were released – three barrels onto the vessel deck and approximately two barrels into the water. No further oil has been released.
The Unified Command includes members of the United States Coast Guard, representatives from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), Tesoro Alaska Company, and Seabulk Tankers, Inc. The Unified Command is currently working with all involved communities until the incident is resolved. The port remains closed pending a decision from the Captain of the Port.
Tesoro’s Kenai Refinery continues to operate, but at a reduced rate pending completion of repairs to its dock and approval of the U.S. Coast Guard and the ADEC to resume loading and unloading at the dock. |
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