M/V LeConte Grounding

Location: Cozian Reef, Peril Straits on the north end of Baranof Island (135 0 26.5’ W long; 57 0 34.01 N lat), NE of Sitka, AK.
Time/Date: May 10, 2004 10:00 a.m.
Spill Id: 04119913102
Product/ Quantity: Potential Spill Only. The vessel did not spill any oil during the grounding, salvage or transit to Ketchikan . At the time of the grounding the ferry system reported the vessel had on board approximately 26,600 gallons of diesel fuel and 1962 gallons of auxiliary oils. On May 12, the ferry system revised the volume on board to approximately 19,500 gallons of diesel fuel. On May 13 the transfer of 17,000 gallons of diesel fuel was completed. On May 14th the transfer of the 1962 gallons of auxiliary oils was completed. Approximately 3000 gallons remained on board to supply fuel to power the vessel during the salvage and transit.
Cause: The ferry grounded on Cozian Reef. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) believes the cause of the grounding was due to navigational error though both the USCG and AMHS have ongoing investigations.

Video
Description: M/V LeConte within an hour of grounding; medevac by USCG helicopter; delivery of personnel and pumps to vessel; general overview from air and shore; view of vessel with containment boom in place.Official LeConte Unified Command Video by Lt. Thomas B. Bailey, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, AK