Icy Bay has encountered some mechanical problems which left her stranded 250 miles from Graham Island, Canada in the frigid and stormy Gulf of Alaska. It was on May 2 the vessel suspected poor quality fuel oil damaged both of her diesel engines. The uncertain status of the engines and an impending storm front necessitated a quick response by the US and Canadian Coast Guards.
Fuel samples were drawn from the vessel’s fuel oil tank which showed large amounts of water and sediment. After the vessel was towed 140 miles, the USCGC MELLON arrive on-scene and took over. Three MELLON engineers were embarked to assess the extent of the damage and determine the stability of the vessel. After testing it was found that the fuel quality was bad and again showed heavy signs of water and sediment.
Canadian Coast Guard engineers assisted the engineer of the Icy Bay in rigging temporary fuel lines from the main fuel storage tank to the ship’s main generator and it’s only functional main engine allowing the generator to produce power until she was safely towed to Sitka, AK.
However, no casualties have been reported and the Icy Bay appears stable. It is said that the industrial mechanics will correct the steering gear and engine troubles of the vessel.
