Grounding of bulk carrier off Alaska avoided

The 75,206 dwt 2010-built, Pan Viva dropped anchor northeast of Unalaska on 12 October after being beset by heavy weather and was in danger of running aground.  The vessel had a crew of 21 on board and 300,000 gallons of fuel.

Heavy weather and sustained over 60 mile per hour winds faced helicopters, aircraft, and a tug boats sent by the US Coast Guard (USCG) to assist the vessel.

Despite 58 mph winds and 29-foot seas the Pan Viva was able to remain at anchor and four crew were airlifted from the vessel to reduce potential evacuation time.

On Sunday, 13 October weather continued to prevent the Pan Viva from weighing anchor and getting underway.

On Monday, 14 October improving weather enabled the bulker to weigh anchor and sail away under escort of the tugs Gretchen Dunlap and James Dunlap.

“This potentially disastrous situation was avoided thanks to early notification by the Pan Viva and a swift, coordinated response,” said Rear Adm. Megan Dean, commander, US Coast Guard Seventeenth District. “This was an excellent example of our federal, tribal, state and industry partners coming together to ensure safety of life at sea and prevent a maritime environmental accident.”

On Monday evening the Pan Viva was enroute for its intended destination of Kalama, Washington. A Unified Command managing the incident has been stood down.