A tugboat with more than 300 gallons of oil aboard sank Wednesday evening in Sitka.
The Powhatan is owned by Samson Tug & Barge, sank near its dock in Starrigavan Bay.
According to divers from Hanson Maritime Company, the tug Powhatan had drifted offshore and was found about 10:15 p.m.
The divers estimate the Powhatan was 60 feet below its resting location.
On board was 325 gallons of lube oil, 12 gallons of diesel, and possible sledge.
It’s not known how much oil was spilled into the water.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska Department Environmental Conservation and the Southeast Petroleum Response Organization responded to the scene, surrounding the tug with booms to contain the oil.
The response team is monitoring impacts to wildlife, but no incidents have been detected so far.
According to the state’s situation report, an underwater camera may be used to confirm the tug’s location and monitor for fuel leakage.
Correction: The headline on a previous version of this story misstated the amount of oil spilled. About 300 gallons of oil spilled, not 300 pounds. In addition, the day of the sinking has been corrected. The Powhatan sank the night of Wednesday, April 19, not Thursday, April 20.
