The Coast Guard Cutter Healy and Russian tanker Renda were approximately seven natical miles from Nome as of Friday evening.
Sitnasuak Native Corporation of Nome signed a contract with Vitus Marine LLC to deliver 1.3 million gallons of petroleum products to Nome via Renda around the second week of January. If successful, this will mark the first time that petroleum products have been delivered by sea to a Western Alaskan community through ice covered waters.
“This has been and continues to be a highly orchestrated effort between all stakeholders to ensure mission success” said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, District 17 commander. “As we have done for more than 220 years, the Coast Guard is dedicated to ensuring the safe and secure transfer of maritime commerce. The Healy, our nation’s only operating polar ice breaker, and its crew are committed to upholding our long history of service to the residents of Alaska.”
