Full Assessment of Kulluk Continues

01/01/2013

The Kulluk grounded on the southeast shoreline of Sitkalidak Island (between the north edge of Ocean Bay and Partition Cove) at approximately 9 p.m. on December 31, 2012. The shoreline of Partition Cove is primarily comprised of mixed sand and gravel beaches.

The safety of responders remains the top priority. The Kulluk grounded on the southeast shoreline of Sitkalidak Island (between the north edge of Ocean Bay and Partition Cove) at approximately 9 p.m. on December 31, 2012. The shoreline of Partition Cove is primarily comprised of mixed sand and gravel beaches.

Severe weather conditions continue to impact operations.

Unified Command is aggressively implementing contingency and response plans.

Command’s priorities include a full assessment of the current conditions of the Kulluk.

The condition of the Kulluk has not been confirmed. The Coast Guard completed an initial night-time overflight on December 31, 2012, and additional assessments are planned today.

There is strong collaboration and coordination among members of Unified Command. We are also working closely with local communities. The safety of the Alaska maritime environment is a major focus and Shell is working with State, local and tribal partners to ensure the safety of Alaska’s maritime environment.


Unified Command Update #13

01/01/2013

• The tug Alert intentionally disconnected from the Kulluk at 8:10 p.m. on December 31, 2012, to maintain the safety of the nine crewmembers aboard the vessel.

• The Kulluk grounded at 8:48 p.m. on December 31, 2012 on Sitkalidak Island on the northern shore of Ocean Bay at a depth of about 32 to 48 feet.

• The Kulluk is currently situated at:
o Latitude: 57° -05.4N
o Longitude: 153° -06.4W

• The Kulluk has approximately 139,000 gallons of ultra low sulfur diesel on board. Equipment aboard the Kulluk is estimated to have about 12,000 gallons of combined lube oil and hydraulic fluid.

• The U.S. Coast Guard helicopter overflight detected no visible sheen.

• There are no residents on Sitkalidak Island. The nearest town is Old Harbor, which is located on Kodiak Island.

• More than 250 people are actively involved in the response efforts.

• There have been three minor injuries associated with the incident. All personnel have returned to duty.

• All media inquiries should be directed to the Unified Command Joint Information Center Media Line at (907) 433-3417.

• Updates about the response efforts can be found at www.kullukresponse.com.


Conical drilling unit Kulluk - Image by Shell

Shell International BV press release