Discover the Cg-Spar: Ratings & Maritime News

On December 26, 2020, the U.S. Coast Guard swiftly responded to an incident involving the Coast Guard Cutter 'Spar' in Women's Bay, Kodiak, Alaska. At approximately 9:40 a.m., watchstanders at the Anchorage Command Center were alerted by the National Response Center about a hydraulic oil discharge from the vessel. While the exact volume of oil released remains undetermined, it is important to note that the affected tank has a maximum capacity of around 914 gallons. In light of the situation, personnel from the Coast Guard Anchorage Incident Management Division and Marine Safety Detachment (MSD) Kodiak were dispatched to oversee the cleanup efforts. This process has been contracted out to Choctaw Defense Services (CDS), who have already deployed boom systems, absorbent pads, and a skimmer that is currently transferring fluids to a vacuum truck. Fortunately, the source of the hydraulic oil spill has been secured, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.

On January 7, 2017, the Coast Guard Cutter 'Spar' became disabled while attempting to assist the fishing vessel 'Lady Gudny' 230 miles southeast of Kodiak, Alaska. The incident unfolded when the 'Anna-T' towed the 'Spar' to aid the 'Lady Gudny', which had been suffering from fuel filter complications since the early hours of January 6. After becoming disabled and adrift, the 'Lady Gudny' required immediate help. The Coast Guard Cutter 'Hickory', a 225-foot buoytender based in Homer, promptly joined the scene to escort the vessels back to Kodiak. However, while the 'Spar' was preparing to take the 'Lady Gudny' in tow, a malfunction occurred—the towline broke, leading to entanglement with the cutter's propellers, which rendered the 'Spar' inoperative. Four crew members aboard the 'Lady Gudny' were safely airlifted by an Air Station Kodiak MH-60T helicopter and returned to Kodiak without any medical issues. In response to the situation, crews from the Coast Guard Cutters 'Douglas Munro' and 'Hickory' remained onsite, while the Coast Guard Cutter 'Alex Haley' was redirected to assist the 'Spar'. Additionally, the Coast Guard Cutters 'Sycamore' and 'Maple' were placed on standby for further support. At the time of the events, the sea conditions were recorded with waves reaching 10 to 12 feet and winds between 17 to 20 mph. For further information, view the report and related videos at http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2911290/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIb0E6pv2Is.