Ship Escort Vessel System aids in rescues

Alyeska’s Ship Escort Response Vessel System (SERVS) has rescued three private vessels since Thursday, August 13. The first occurred at approximately 3:40 a.m. August 13, involving the F/V Comstock, a 68’ fish tender that was reported taking on water in the vicinity of Shoup Bay, Port Valdez. The Valdez Star was dispatched to the scene along with the TCC Oil Spill Crews who began to mobilize dewatering pumps and spill response equipment. Pumps were used to remove the discharged water placing it in the Valdez Star collection well, minimizing the potential for spillage. The damaged vessel was then towed to the Valdez City Dock and secured. The second incident occurred at approximately 7:10 p.m. August 13. The crew of the SERVS work boat Black Kvichak, observed a capsized boat while conducting routine maintenance on a nearby barge. Two people were spotted in the water near Saw Island Spit (approximately 1 mile west of the Marine Terminal.) They had been unable to get off a distress call before their small boat sank. They were pulled from the water by the crew of the Black Kvichak and transported to the Valdez Star where they were checked out, stabilized and given dry clothing. On Sunday, August 16, at approximately 8:40 p.m. the SERVS duty officer received a call from the United States Coast Guard reporting a 17’ boat aground at Jack Bay with three people stranded on the beach. The Krystal Sea was dispatched arriving at 10:30 p.m. The individuals were transported by inflatable skiff to the Krystal Sea where they were treated for mild hypothermia, given hot showers, dry clothes and a meal. According to Greg Jones, SERVS Manager, these rescues, although not related to Alyeska’s core business of moving oil safely, demonstrate the tremendous positive impact our industry can and does have on the Prince William Sound communities.

Hot Tap successfully drilled in Trans-Alaska Pipeline

On Sunday, August 16, the first of two hot taps was successfully completed on the trans-Alaska pipeline at Check Valve (CV) 122, located at the base of Keystone Canyon, near Valdez. The second is scheduled to be completed on Monday, August 17. Two other hot taps were completed August 8 and 9 at Remote Gate Valve (RGV) 80, north of Delta. The hot taps, which provide access ports into the pipe, are in preparation for major valve repair and replacement projects scheduled for late September.

Communication problem with RGV results in temporary shutdown

The pipeline was temporarily shutdown at 4:47 a.m. on August 14, following a communication failure on RGV 102. At 10 a.m. the pipeline was restarted after the problem was identified as a malfunctioning amplifier at the Alascom Round Top repeater.

Spill reported at Ballast Water Tank

A 100-gallon spill occurred at Ballast Water Tank 92 over the weekend inside the tank’s secondary containment. The hose system used to transfer contents from Tank 92 to the sludge tank had a coupling failure. An investigation into the incident is being performed.

Berth Five back in service

Berth 5 was placed back in service at 6:05 p.m. on Friday, August 14, following Coast Guard approval for repair and maintenance work on the Fenwal Valve. The ARCO Kenai was berthed at 9:00 p.m. and was successfully loaded with the vapor recovery system on line.

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