Shell Drill Ship Grounded Near Kodiak

40 Foot Seas Hampering Effort

Tools

by Mike Ford

Story Created: Dec 31, 2012 at 6:31 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 1, 2013 at 7:54 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE, AK – The Unified Command reports that  Royal Dutch Shell PLC drill ship Kulluk is believed to have grounded on the southeast side of Sitkalidak Island at approximately 9:00 p.m. Alaska time At 8:15 p.m the crew of the tug Alert separated from the Kulluk at to maintain the safety of the vessels nine crewmembers.

Susan Childs Incident Commander for Shell reports more than 250 people are actively involved in the response efforts. "The extreme weather conditions and high seas continue to be a challenge" Childs said.

According to the Unified Command a US Coast Guard aircraft  will be sent to survey the situation at first light followed by a repsonse team as soon as is safely possible.

The Kullk has up to 150,000 gallons of ultra-low sulpher diesel on board as well as 12,000 gallons of combined lube abd hydraulic fluid.

 

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