Coast Guard cutter escorts disabled tug that had been adrift

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

 

(KODIAK, Alaska) — The Coast Guard Cutter Long Island escorted the 66-foot tug Capt. Hendren to Cordova safely Monday.

 

“The tug arrived safely in Cordova at about 3:27 p.m.,” said Lt. Cmdr. Danielle Wiley, chief of prevention Marine Safety Unit Valdez. “Coast Guard personnel will attend the vessel in Cordova and inspect repairs once they have been completed prior to vessel getting underway again”

 

The Coast Guard was notified at 2:17 p.m. Sunday that the tug had experienced a steering casualty and was disabled and adrift with four people aboard in 23 to 28 mph winds and 8-foot seas. The Valdez-based Long Island was dispatched to respond.

 

The crew of the tug was able to effect minor repairs to their steering system and get back underway under their own power prior to the cutter’s arrival. The Long Island then escorted the vessel to port. They moored overnight in Port Etches to allow the crew to get some rest before travelling the rest of the way to Cordova.

 

The Capt. Hendren in homeported in Portland, Ore., and was on a voyage from Portland to Nome, Alaska, when they suffered the steering casualty. No injuries or pollution were reported in connection with the incident.

By Professional Mariner Staff