Crews train to prevent repeat of Selendang Ayu grounding

U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard crews recently conducted a joint training exercise with the Emergency Towing System. Deployed to eight communities in coastal Alaska, the ETS can be used when tugs aren’t available to assist large vessels like disabled freighters and cruise ships that are in danger of running aground.

During the exercise that occurred during the annual Buoy Tender Roundup in Juneau earlier this month, the ETS was loaded aboard the USCGC Maple before it left Station Juneau. Earlier plans called for a Coast Guard H-60 helicopter to lower the towing system by sling to the Maple’s deck, but the helicopter was called away just before the training exercise.

Once out in the middle of Gastineau Channel, the Maple’s engines were disengaged while deck crews worked to unpack the package and extend lines to the Canadian Coast Guard vessel Bartlett.

Canadian Coast Guard vessel Bartlett takes a powered-down USCGC Maple in tow during a recent transit of Gastineau Channel. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)
Canadian Coast Guard vessel Bartlett takes a powered-down USCGC Maple in tow during a recent transit of Gastineau Channel. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)
The ETS that was used in the Juneau exercise is normally stationed in Sitka and can be used to tow over 50,000 deadweight tons.

The system was developed after the freighter Selendang Ayu lost power and grounded off of Unalaska Island in December 2004. Six crew members were killed when the ship broke in half and spilled oil and its soybean cargo along the shoreline.

Related link: Alaska Emergency Towing Systems Project – ADEC

The Emergency Towing System consists of a messenger line, 10 inch main tow line, and a set of buoys in a package that can lowered to any vessel by crane or helicopter. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)
The Emergency Towing System consists of a messenger line, 10-inch main tow line, and a set of buoys in a package that can lowered to any vessel by crane or helicopter. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)
After use, the components of this Emergency Towing System will be dried out and repackaged for redeployment in Sitka. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)
After use, the components of this Emergency Towing System will be dried out and repackaged for redeployment in Sitka. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)
USCGC Maple pulls away from Coast Guard Station Juneau. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)
USCGC Maple pulls away from Coast Guard Station Juneau. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)

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