JUNEAU, Alaska - The Coast Guard, National Park Service, and good samaritans assisted 76 people from a sightseeing vessel taking on water in Glacier Bay, Sunday.
The Coast Guard, the National Park Service, and the Holland America cruise ship Volendam responded to a report from the 79-foot sightseeing vessel Baranof Wind after it reportedly struck a rock and started taking on water near Russell Island in the west arm of Glacier Bay. The Coast Guard launched an Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew with a dewatering pump and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa to assist.
Using their tender, the cruise ship Volendam transferred passengers from the Baranof Wind to their vessel. Four crewmembers remained aboard the Baranof Wind to maintain pumps and monitor the vessel. Flooding has been contained, and an anchor was deployed to help stabilize the vessel. There are no reports of any pollution at this time.
"I extend my great appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to all the participants in their efforts to aid the Baranof Wind," said Glacier Bay Superintendent Susan Boudreau. "This was a phenomenal effort from everyone. Thank you so much for providing such professional assistance."
Coast Guard Sector Juneau is sending response personnel to investigate the cause of the grounding and any pollution potential. They are also working with the Park Service and Allen Marine to develop a towing plan to deliver the Baranof Wind to Sitka, Alaska.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
