ALYESKA REPORT
WEEK OF JANUARY 12, 1998
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ESCORT VESSEL
CAUSES MINOR COLLISION IN PORT VALDEZ NO ONE WAS INJURED, NO ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE
OCCURRED.
During the routine escort of a laden
tanker, an Escort Response Vessel (ERV) bumped the stern of the escort tug that was
tethered to the stern of a tanker. The tug then struck the stern of the tanker. No
injuries occurred and no oil discharged as a result of the incident. All three vessels
remain in service.
The tanker ARCO Spirit was returned to
berth and inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard released the ARCO Spirit
after determining there was only minor indentation to the stern plating. The ARCO Spirit
departed the Marine Terminal on Sunday morning. Repairs will be made to the tanker during
scheduled maintenance in September.
The incident occurred at the beginning of
the escort in Port Valdez on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. The tug Sea Voyager, owned and operated
by Crowley Marine Services, was tethered back of the ARCO Spirit. The ERV Freedom Service,
owned and operated by Tidewater Marine, was moving into place behind the tanker when it
got too close to the Sea Voyager and struck the tug. The impact pushed the Sea Voyager
into the stern of the ARCO Spirit. Minor damage was sustained by all three vessels. ERVs
are required to stay within one-tenth to one-quarter of a mile of the tanker during
escorts.
Preliminary indications are that human
error contributed to the incident. Tidewater Marine has relieved the captain of his duties
pending the conclusion of the investigation. The crews from all three vessels were tested
for drug and alcohol consumption following the incident. No alcohol use was detected. Drug
test results are expected within the week, but no abuse is suspected.
TANK LINER REPAIR
WORK CONTINUES
The crude storage tank at Pump
Station 4 was lowered and placed on a new foundation on Saturday, January 10. In early
December, the tank was jacked up approximately two feet off the tank liner and placed on
blocks so the secondary containment liner for the tank could be removed. A new concrete
"ring-wall" was installed as a foundation and liner connection for the tank.
In September, the bottom of the tank was
removed to install a new cathodic protection system for the tank. The tank floor was
sound, however small holes were found in the secondary containment liner underneath the
tank. A new liner will be installed and the original project to install a cathodic
protection system will continue. The tank is expected to be back in service in June of
1998.
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