Diesel impacts resulting from the grounding of the M/V Monterrey on Puffin Island. Photo taken at approximately 11 a.m., 6/9/2012. (Photo credit: USCG)
ALASKA - The Army vessel Monterrey was grounded on Puffin Island, near Kodiak, on the Coast Guard's advice after the ship began taking on water Friday night.
The 174-foot landing craft struck Discovery Rocks in Chiniak Bay, damaging the forward section of the vessel.
Two Marine Safety Detachment teams from Kodiak assessed the shoreline and identified two areas for cleanup, which is being done with absorbent pads and containment booms.
The ship was carrying 42,000 gallons of fuel when it departed Kodiak, and officials estimate between 8,000 and 12,000 gallons of diesel fuel were spilled.
"We are continuing to work with our federal, state, and local agencies as well as industry representatives to minimize the impact of the fuel spill," said Lieutenant Matthew Zinn, supervisor of Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak, in a press release. "Everyone involved is committed to returning the water and shoreline in the area to its original, pristine state."
