Coast Guard Sector Anchorage assists Spirit of Columbia

(JUNEAU, AK — August 22, 2007) Coast Guard Sector Anchorage responded to a call from the cruise ship Spirit of Columbia after it ran aground on the east side of Evans Island in Latouche Passage, near Whittier, at approximately 9:53 a.m. Sunday.

There were 51 passengers and 21 crew members on board with no reported injuries. No pollution was reported, and no hull breach occurred.

The Coast Guard Cutter Sycamore from Cordova, and two HH-60 helicopters and a C-130 aircraft from Kodiak were deployed to assist. 

Spirit of Columbia reported no damage had occurred and Coast Guard air assets were released from scene. The Coast Guard Cutter Sycamore escorted the Spirit of Columbia back to Whittier. 

Weather conditions on scene at the time of the grounding were 2 – 4 foot seas and visibility at 4 – 6 miles. 

Personnel from Coast Guard Sector Anchorage are in Whittier today conducting an investigation of the incident.

The Spirit of Columbia is 143-foot Cruise West vessel.  

By Professional Mariner Staff