U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Response to Vessel Grounding/Oil Spill off Unalaska Island

December 17, 2004: Today’s schedule called for ongoing shore surveys using the Grumman Goose floatplane. Helicopter surveys were scheduled, as well. A total of 5 oiled birds were brought into Dutch Harbor from the field, bringing the total so far to 11 live oiled birds and 6 carcasses received in Dutch Harbor. The Exito, a 128’ crabber, has arrived in Skan Bay and will provide support for wildlife survey and rescue operations. No updates on today’s skiff or aircraft surveys were available at the time of posting, nor do we know if Fish and Wildlife Service biologists were able to land skiffs on the shore.
Visit the Unified Command website at for updated information on other oil spill response activities.

At noon today local weather was reported as including winds from the NW at 20 knots, expected to increase to 35 knots this evening. Seas were reported to be running at 6 feet, and expected to increase to 12 feet as the winds rise.

Updates will be provided over the weekend only if warranted.