ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), and the Fishing Company of Alaska (FCA) have formed a Unified Command to respond to the sinking vessel, Alaska Juris, in the Bering Sea.
The fishing vessel, Alaska Juris, began taking on water at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 26. Good Samaritan crews from vessels Spar Canis, Vienna Express, Seafisher and Ocean Peace, assisted in the successful rescue of 46 mariners, who abandoned ship after the vessel began taking on water. The crews of Seafisher and Ocean Peace transported them to Adak, Alaska.
The condition of the vessel is currently unknown. The salvage vessel, Resolve Pioneer, has been dispatched and is en route to the last known position of the Alaska Juris, approximately 41 miles northeast of Segula Island in the Rat Islands archipelago of western Alaska. The Resolve Pioneer is expected to arrive within 48 hours and will attempt to locate the Alaska Juris, assess any damage, safeguard against any potential environmental threats, as well as prevent hazards to other vessels in the area and formulate an action plan for salvage.
There have been no reports of injured personnel, pollution, or environmental impacts. The safety of response personnel and the public and protection of the local environment are top priorities. The Unified Command is monitoring the case closely.
Mariners are cautioned to avoid the area until further notice. Weather in the area is reported as 17 mph winds, 4-foot seas and fog.
USCG Media Contacts: (907) 209-8731
ADEC Media Contacts: (907) 465-5009
FCA Media Contacts: (281) 352-7740