DEC report gives details on sunken fishing boat leaking fuel in the Sitka Sound

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is providing new details on an oil sheen that’s being caused by a sunken vessel near Eastern Channel of Sitka Sound.

The United States Coast Guard Air Station Sitka conducted a surveillance flight, reporting that the F/V Haida Lady went down west of Cobb Island in Eastern Channel of the Sitka Sound on Feb. 26.

According to details from the DEC, the vessel was found port side down in 6-18 feet of water. At that time, a visible sheen was observed coming from the boat.

The incident report indicates that the vessel’s owner said there were 1,500 gallons of diesel fuel and 55 gallons of hydraulic oil on board at the time of sinking.

DEC says absorbents have been applied within a hard boom to collect any recoverable fuel oil. The vessel has also been re-positioned to bring fuel vents are above waterline and prevent further discharge.

On Tuesday, Coast Guard Sector Juneau personnel confirmed via email that the vessel owner says no people were aboard when it sank.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation.