COUGAR ACE Tow and Salvage Plans Change due to Safety & Weather Issues

The Unified Command says the tow of the 654-foot vessel has been directed to calmer waters where attempts to right her will commence. On Monday, the Unified Command directed the towing of the Cougar Ace to the calmer waters of Wide Bay, Unalaska Island, where it will be brought to a mooring. It is thought that the calmer seas and improved weather will allow for safe salvage operations. Dewatering operations of the vessel’s number nine cargo deck were temporarily suspended on Monday when rough seas around the vessel were deemed to pose a safety risk to members of the salvage team.

The vessel has been severely listing since problems arose during a required open-sea transfer of ballast water on July 23, approximately 230 miles south of Adak. Once the vessel arrives at Wide Bay and is safely moored, tugs will remain on scene and a barge loaded with pollution response equipment will also remain on station. The ship’s ultimate destination, once initial salvage work and righting of the vessel is complete, has not yet been determined.

The Unified Command Team in charge of this operation includes the U.S. Coast Guard, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (operator of the vessel), O’Brien’s Group, NOAA, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.