Places of Refuge
across the Gulf of Alaska. The towing vessel Aiviq suffered a loss of propulsion during heavy weather and lost the tow. When the tow could not quickly be reattached, the Unified Command was stood up. The Unified Command agreed that the KULLUK should be towed to sheltered water at Sitkalidak Island. When the towline parted again, the KULLUK grounded off the island, albeit without pollution or serious damage. The Unified Command then agreed on an alternative course of action. After a fleet of vessels to address the various contingencies was assembled, the KULLUK was towed
'Kulluk' Damage Assessment Continues
The Coast Guard continues oversight of the runaway Shell conical rig still anchored in Kiliuda Bay, Alaska. The Kulluk ran aground Dec. 31, 2012 on Sitkalidak Island and was later refloated and anchored in Kiliuda Bay. Coast Guard personnel from the National Center of Expertise, the Salvage Emergency Response Team and Sector Anchorage have been aboard the Kulluk to assess the vessel’s stability, identify any potential pollution issues and to gather information for the ongoing investigation into the incident. Inspectors have surveyed the interior and exterior condition of the
Shell's 'Kulluk' Rig Accident: WWF Canada Urge Better Planning
Arctic waters back to Seattle following Shell’s first drilling season in the region. Its tow vessel lost control of the massive platform during a harsh winter storm, resulting in the ship, carrying over 136,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 10,000 gallons of lubes and oils, to be grounded on Sitkalidak Island, a pristine island near two salmon streams and ocean bay estuary. Currently, the ability to respond to spills is questionable, but the limited ability could be improved with smart and informed planning to make sure that the most sensitive areas were protected. Should an oil spill have
Unified Command Issues Kulluk Update
Update #37: Kulluk assessment continues, Sitkalidak Island debris removal. Unified Command confirmed the following information today: Assessment of the Kulluk drilling vessel in Kiliuda Bay continues, with inspection-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) being utilized to assess the hull. There continues to be no sign of leakage from the Kulluk. Assessment crews at the direction of Unified Command, along with local representation from Old Harbor Native Corporation, continue to survey the grounding area in Sitkalidak Island to enable the recovery of survival and rescue boats and
Wayward Rig 'Kulluk' Safely Arrives Kiliuda Bay
The 'Kulluk', towed by the 'AHTS Aiviq' has arrived in the safe harbor for assessment of any damage caused by its recent grounding. The Kulluk was refloated from its Ocean Bay position, off Sitkalidak Island, late Jan. 6, and will remain connected to its support vessels while it undergoes assessment in Kiliuda Bay, located about 30 miles north of Ocean Bay. The final location for assessment within the Bay will be determined by environmental conditions, including weather. The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley escorted the tow to Kiliuda Bay along with two oil spill response vessels and other support
August 2025
