A commercial fishing vessel nearly sank in Gastineau Channel early Tuesday morning after it was reported the boat was taking on water, according to the Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska (formerly known as Coast Guard Sector Juneau).
According to Petty Officer Ian Gray with USCG, only one person was aboard the ship at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.
Gray said at about 6:08 a.m. the Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska command center received a report the 40-foot commercial fishing vessel Marco was taking on water about 90 feet from shore in Gastineau Channel.
Upon arrival, Coast Guard crew located the man aboard the ship and evacuated him shortly after.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the vessel remained aground and partially submerged. According to Gray, there is no report of environmental concerns, but “we are monitoring it and there is no sheen at this time.”
He said the vessel’s owner is currently pursuing a salvage effort and said the cause of the incident is unknown at this time.
• Contact reporter Clarise Larson at clarise.larson@juneauempire.com or (651)-528-1807.
