Update: Ice Slows Progress of Alaskan Fuel Delivery

The Coast Guard icebreaker and Russian fuel tanker attempting to renew iced-in Nome, Alaska’s fuel supply has made no new significant progress, according to CNN.

Russian tanker, the Renda, only advanced about 50 feet on Tuesday, January 10th. This is quite contrary to Monday where 50 miles of the ice-covered Bering Sea was tackled. This stall could affect the estimated delivery date of Thursday or Friday.

The vessels are now about 100 miles from their destination of Nome. The Coast Guard cutter is currently trying to free the Renda from an ice ridge.

Again, this is the first attempt to supply fuel to an Arctic Alaska settlement through sea ice. The city is also in no immediate danger of running out of fuel, but will around March when the delivery would have been much more difficult.

Coast Guard Cutter Continues Icebreaking for Nome-bound Russian Tanker (Video)

-----

UPDATE:

According to AP reports, the Russian tanker is inching extremely close to its destination, with now only 6 miles between the ship and iced-in Nome, Alaska. The vessel is waiting for daylight to break in that area of the nation before advancing.

Daylight is necessary for safety when traveling through the thick ice, as well as for anchoring when unloading the fuel.

Coast guard officials are instructing locals to stay off the ice until the ships have completed their mission.