Arctic Storm update

Smoke rises from an engine room fire aboard the 334-foot factory trawler Arctic Storm. USCG photo

Here's an update from the U.S. Coast Guard:

May 21, 2013

Coast Guard continues response to vessel fire off Washington

ASTORIA, Ore. — The Coast Guard continues to respond to an extinguished vessel fire approximately 30 miles west of Grays Harbor, Wash.

Crewmembers on the fishing vessel Arctic Storm successfully put out the fire using the halon chemical firefighting system aboard the ship.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria and two 47-foot motor lifeboat crews from Station Grays Harbor monitored as good Samaritan vessels evacuated 78 of the 120 personnel aboard the fishing vessel.

Forty-two crewmembers will remain aboard the Arctic Storm to man the vessel.

The 78 evacuated crewmembers were moved to the commercial fishing vessels Northern Voyager, Golden Alaska, Sea Dawn and Excellence.

Evacuated crewmembers are scheduled to be transported to Westport, Wash.

A tug is en route to tow the Arctic Storm to Aberdeen, Wash.

The Arctic Storm is reported to contain approximately 188,000 gallons of diesel fuel. No pollution or injuries have been reported.

The Washington Department of Ecology was notified and is standing by to assist, if needed.

The Coast Guard will conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire.

All safe after fire on the Arctic Storm

The U.S. Coast Guard today responded to a report of an uncontrolled engine room fire aboard the factory trawler Arctic Storm.

The 334-foot vessel was about 32 miles west of Grays Harbor, Wash., with 120 people aboard, the Coast Guard said.

The Arctic Storm is a well-known stalwart in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. It also works the Pacific whiting fishery off the Northwest coast.

The operator, Seattle-based Arctic Storm Management Group, has posted a statement on its website saying everyone is safe, but the vessel is disabled.

The Seattle Times also has been posting updates.

Ailing crewman airlifted off trawler Arctic Storm

The U.S. Coast Guard last night airlifted an ill crewman off the factory trawler Arctic Storm, 63 miles west of Cold Bay.

The 52-year-old man was said to be in cardiac distress, the Coast Guard said.

The helicopter, assigned to the cutter Alex Haley on patrol in the Bering Sea, safely hoisted the patient at 11:44 p.m.