Motor Vessel Selendang Ayu Unified Command

April 23, 2005 Contact: Coast Guard Information Officer (907) 581-3361

Unified Command Press Release

Assessment, cleanup resumes after winter break Dutch Harbor, Alaska - The Unified Command in charge of the motor vessel Selendang Ayu response will begin the Spring and Summer shoreline cleanup today on Unalaska Island. Approximately 200 people and 22 vessels are scheduled to begin cleaning and restoring priority pollution sites in Skan and Makushin bay this week, based on recommendations by Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Teams (SCAT). As the initial SCAT process continues, approximately 188 sites have been surveyed, marked and prioritized for cleanup. Of the planned 470 miles of coastline to be surveyed, SCAT have completed 81 miles of survey since Spring operations commenced April 2. SCAT involves teams of trained observers surveying the affected coastal area to provide an accurate assessment of shoreline oiling conditions on each beach. Teams represent the interests of federal and state agencies, the responsible party and representatives of owners of oiled property. The 738-foot freighter Selendang Ayu grounded and broke in two December 8, 2004, offshore of Spray Cape, Unalaska. The vessel was carrying soybeans and approximately 470,000 gallons of fuel oil (IFO380), of which roughly 144,000 gallons were removed during lightering operations in January and February.

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