Coast Guard responds to sinking in Valdez Harbor

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VALDEZ, Alaska — Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez personnel responded to the sinking of the vessel Janice Ruth II in the Valdez Small Boat Harbor Wednesday evening.

Coast Guard responders in Valdez received a report that the 47-foot Janice Ruth II appeared to be sinking in its berth in the Valdez Small Boat Harbor. When Coast Guard pollution investigators arrived at approximately 11:10 p.m., the vessel was listing to starboard and 75 percent submerged.

The Janice Ruth II’s reported maximum fuel capacity is 500 gallons of diesel and 25 gallons of hydraulic oil. A small sheen can be observed inside the boom surrounding the vessel.

R&R Diving personnel responded at about 1:30 a.m. Thursday. They deployed boom and sorbent pads to contain any possible release of fuel from the sinking vessel.

On Thursday afternoon, International Bank of Texas identified itself as the current Responsible Party for the vessel and contracted R&R Diving to mitigate pollution.

The cause of the sinking is under investigation.

For more information contact Lt. j.g. Allison Ferko at 907-835-7209

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