The fishing vessel Nordic Viking that sank in Seward Harbor on December 9 caused oil spill in the area and the US Coast Guard is responsible for the clean-up procedures concerning the fuel that was released.
On the time being, it is easy to observe the sheening from the oil spill, 1.5 miles south from the incident area. Light sheen has also been observed in Scheffler Creek and lagoon.
The USCG launched the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund and Alaska Chadux has been contracted as the Oil Spill Removal Organization.
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Moreover, the Nordic Viking’s hull tanks can store 2,500 gallons of fuel but the responsible party estimated approximately 700 gallons were in the tanks at the time of the sinking.
The responsible party has contracted Storm Chasers Marine Services Inc., to salvage the 71-foot Nordic Viking. Storm Chasers divers have plugged the fuel vents.
As Capt. Sean MacKenzie, commander of USCG Sector Anchorage stated it is of a priority to limit any environmental impacts as quickly as possible. The US Coast Guard, he continued, is partnering with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and contracted agencies to minimize the effects of the fuel release.
Finally, up to now the factor that caused the sinking remains unknown. The wildlife faces no hazards and further discharges haven’t been reported.
