USCG MSU Valdez Press Release

VALDEZ, Alaska – The Coast Guard responded to a 37-foot recreational vessel that collided with a response barge moored up alongside the Ship Escort Response Vessel System (SERVS) dock Wednesday, August 24, 2016.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, the unnamed recreational vessel with two people on board collided with the response barge 500-2 which was docked just outside the Valdez Small Boat Harbor.  No serious injuries were reported, though one individual from the unnamed vessel was taken to the hospital.

The unnamed recreational vessel sustained heavy damage as a result of the impact, with minor damage in the form of scraped paint being sustained by the 500-2.  No pollution was reported.

“This incident was unfortunate but could have been much worse,” said Lt. Shawn Merrick, Senior Investigating Officer for Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez.  “The Coast Guard is very appreciative of the collaborative efforts of the Valdez Police Department in response to this potentially deadly marine casualty.”

The barge 500-2 is part of the Ship Escort Response Vessel System based out of Valdez.  The barge was moored alongside the SERVS dock during the incident.  The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.