ANCHORAGE, AK – May 8, 2001 – SeaRiver Tanker personnel discovered a light sheen Tuesday at noon during loading operations. The Tanker SeaRiver North Slope suspended loading at Berth 5 after a small sheen was discovered along its waterline. The sheen was immediately contained within the boom surrounding the ship. Clean-up is being conducted by the Oil Spill Response Team using sorbant pads. Divers are expected to be in the water late this evening to identify the source of the sheen. The current rate of release is a drop of oil surfacing approximately every ten minutes.

The required notifications have been made. Alyeska’s Ship Escort and Response Vessel System, SERVS, personnel and equipment will remain on the scene throughout the night. The United States Coast Guard and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation are on the scene. A full investigation is underway. Preliminary estimated spill volume is less than a cup.

Updates will be provided as information becomes available.

Back to top