Vessel aground in Togiak Bay

This just in from the U.S. Coast Guard:

May 25, 2011

Coast Guard, DEC monitor grounded fishing vessel in Togiak Bay

JUNEAU — The Coast Guard is working with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to monitor the 102-foot fishing vessel Nor'Quest, which grounded on Hagemeister Island in Togiak Bay at 1:12 a.m.

Sector Anchorage received notification through VHF radio from a crewmember aboard the Nor'Quest stating they ran aground after the anchor wire parted, causing them to drift ashore with two crewmen aboard.

The vessel was reported to be carrying 16,000 to 18,000 gallons of diesel fuel with approximately 1,000 gallons of miscellaneous lube oils.

A Coast Guard HC-130 aircrew flew over the vessel this morning and stated there was no pollution.

A commercial salvage company is working with the vessel owner and operators to lighter the Nor'Quest before attempts are made to refloat the vessel.

The two crewmembers were uninjured and are planning to remain aboard.