A 72 metre trawler sent a distress call from a position approximately 700 nautical miles west of Dutch Harbor as crew were unable to control flooding. The crew abandoned ship into liferafts and have all been rescued.
Alaska Juris reported at 11.30 local time yesterday that that it was taking on water last night and subsequently that the crew were abandoning ship as the ingress of water had become uncontrollable. The crew boarded three life rafts and a number of vessels, including a USCG cutter altered course for the scene, and the crew of the Alaska Juris were picked up by merchant ships Spar Canis and Vienna Express. Seafisher and Ocean Peace also diverted to the scene.
Coast Guard cutter Midgett and an Air Station Kodiak HC-130 Hercules were diverted to the vessel’s location. Two Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters were launched to Adak as a staging and refuelling area. Watchstanders also issued an urgent marine information broadcast to vessels in the area.
The cause of the vessel taking on water is under investigation. There are no reports of injuries.
‘The crew of the Alaska Juris did the right thing by calling for help, putting on their immersion suits and safely abandoning the ship, said Lt. Greg Isbell, District 17 command duty officer.
‘Emergencies can occur at any time in Alaska’s vast and extreme environment, and the good Samaritans’ willingness to respond to was paramount to getting the Alaska Juris crew to safety.’
The cause of the vessel taking on water is under investigation. There are no reports of injuries. Weather on scene was reported as calm seas and limited visibility.
