ANCHORAGE, AK – May 10, 2001 – The SeaRiver North Slope departed the Valdez Marine Terminal Thursday morning having satisfied conditions necessary to sail as set by the United States Coast Guard.

Following discovery of a sheen during cargo loading operations Tuesday, May 8, an inspection of the vessel by divers revealed two hairline cracks in the side plating of #3 Starboard Cargo tank. The ship will be repaired before it returns to Valdez.

Alyeska SERVS (Ship Escort/Response Vessel System) response personnel and equipment responded to the incident. The estimated spill volume remains at less than a cup.