A Coast Guard Station Valdez crew member monitors the vessel Metal Disorder as it is towed to Whittier. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Coast Guard Station Valdez boatcrew towed the 32-foot bowpicker Metal Disorder taking on water with one person aboard near Squaw Bay in Prince William Sound Tuesday evening.
The 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew towed the Metal Disorder and its operator to Whittier. An RB-M crew member went aboard the Metal Disorder with a dewatering pump to assist the operator. The crew also installed a plug to stem water entering the vessel at a rate of approximately 30 gallons per minute.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Anchorage received a report Tuesday afternoon that the Metal Disorder struck a rock near Esther Island and began taking on water through a gash in the hull. The operator reportedly beached the vessel at low tide and continued dewatering the vessel as the tide swelled.
Two good Samaritan vessels and crews also responded to assist after Sector Anchorage issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast.
“We were able to get this mariner back to shore safety before the vessel sank,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Taylor, a Sector Anchorage command center watchstander. “Working with good Samaritan crews and training in Alaska’s unforgiving waters helps save lives.”
Weather on scene was approximately 12-mph winds with 1-foot seas and 9 miles visibility.
