From the more easterly track that is developing on AIS it appears that they have decided to run offshore for more sea room to weather out the next storm rather than to attempt to seek shelter at Kodiak Island.
With a “team” of 250 people from various companies and agencies trying to micromanage this situation from Midtown Anchorage and constantly second guessing the Captain of the AIVIQ, he must be exhausted.
I can’t imagine all the stress that Capt. Has been under, they have managed to do a awesome job thus far!
[QUOTE=tugsailor;92414]From the more easterly track that is developing on AIS it appears that they have decided to run offshore for more sea room to weather out the next storm rather than to attempt to seek shelter at Kodiak Island.
With a “team” of 250 people from various companies and agencies trying to micromanage this situation from Midtown Anchorage and constantly second guessing the Captain of the AIVIQ, he must be exhausted.[/QUOTE]
What’s the manning on that thing? How many mates? I think 24 total.
K.C.
Found it:
1 Master Unlimited
1 Chief Officer Unlimited
1 Second Mate Unlimited
2 Third Mates Unlimited
1 Chief Engineer Unlimited
1 Assistant Engineer Unlimited
1 Second Assistant Engineer Unlimited
2 Third Assistant Engineers Unlimited
4 ABs
4 QMEDs (qualified member, engineering department)
4 Oilers
4 Ordinary Seamen
2 Food Handlers
[I]Source: Edison Chouest Offshore[/I]
Neither the capt nor the mate need to stand watch.
Anybody else amused by Nanuq’s AIS information? Some joker configured their ship type as “Wing In Grnd”.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]2747[/ATTACH]
[QUOTE=tugsailor;92414]From the more easterly track that is developing on AIS it appears that they have decided to run offshore for more sea room to weather out the next storm rather than to attempt to seek shelter at Kodiak Island.
[/QUOTE]
Maybe planning on jogging near Kodiak and then going in somewhere during the next weather window? Jogging with two tugs with good lines thru the next gale/storm seems like a low risk plan.
K.C.
Looks like the Alert picked up Aiviq’s line.
For more information contact:
Unified Command
voice: (907) 433-3417
Update #10: Kulluk under tow by Aiviq and Alert
Update #10: Kulluk under tow by Aiviq and Alert
Anchorage, Alaska – The Kulluk drilling vessel is under tow by the Aiviq and tug Alert. All three vessels are currently located about 19 miles southeast of Kodiak Island.
At approximately 12:45 a.m., Monday, Dec. 31, the Alert was able to secure the 400-foot line that was previously the tow line used by the Aiviq. The Alert successfully added tension to the line to test its ability to hold.
Later in the morning, the Aiviq also restored its connection to the Kulluk.
Ensuring the safety of personnel and protecting the area’s environment continue to be of the utmost importance.
Difficult weather conditions are anticipated to continue over the next several days. Unified Command is evaluating all potential options to further secure the vessel until the weather clears.
Media inquiries should be directed to:
Unified Command Joint Information Center 907-433-3417Call
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[QUOTE=rshrew;92416]I can’t imagine all the stress that Capt. Has been under, they have managed to do a awesome job thus far![/QUOTE]
I have every reason to post the Chief Engineer too, along with the entire crew.
What’s this “thus far” ?
[QUOTE=Kennebec Captain;92417]What’s the manning on that thing? How many mates? I think 24 total.
K.C.
Found it:
1 Master Unlimited
1 Chief Officer Unlimited
1 Second Mate Unlimited
2 Third Mates Unlimited
1 Chief Engineer Unlimited
1 Assistant Engineer Unlimited
1 Second Assistant Engineer Unlimited
2 Third Assistant Engineers Unlimited
4 ABs
4 QMEDs (qualified member, engineering department)
4 Oilers
4 Ordinary Seamen
2 Food Handlers
[I]Source: Edison Chouest Offshore[/I]
Neither the capt nor the mate need to stand watch.[/QUOTE]
It appears neither the Chief nor the First stand watch also. Looks like the complement of the old days, my days.
The AIS now has them headed WNW toward Cape Barnabas at about 1 knot. It looks like they are either having problems, or there has been another change of plans.
Marine traffic usually misinterprets some AIS categories as Wing in ground. Earlier this year the CG asked most ATB and certain other tug units to change their class. I don’t think marine traffic kept up on the change.
All of the crews 
When this most intense “situation” is finally successfully over I’m sure a few of the crew will take a look at gCaptain forum and see that there are plenty of us fellow Merchant Seamen, sitting at the edge of our seats, watching this unfold, and we all have them in our hearts. We wish we could help.
[QUOTE=rshrew;92433]All of the crews :)[/QUOTE]
I knew you meant that.
I spy the Lauren Foss headed full clip from Seattle for Seward maybe going to tow the disco back or to help out?
[QUOTE=tugsailor;92431]The AIS now has them headed WNW toward Cape Barnabas at about 1 knot. It looks like they are either having problems, or there has been another change of plans.[/QUOTE]
Maybe they are going to duck in behind Sitkalidak Island. Maybe they were trying to gain some room upwind before turning in.
K.C.
[QUOTE=tugsailor;92431]The AIS now has them headed WNW toward Cape Barnabas at about 1 knot. It looks like they are either having problems, or there has been another change of plans.[/QUOTE]
This WILL END SUCCESSFULLY - Sorry about my shouts. BUT, when the dust settles we need answers from the Big Boys, safely on shore.
I’ve had experiences with those Big Boys on shore, expect a stonewall.
[QUOTE=Kennebec Captain;92438]Maybe they are going to duck in behind Sitkalidak Island. Maybe they were trying to gain some room upwind before turning in.
K.C.[/QUOTE]
Good spot to duck, all deep water until the narrowest part where Old Harbor village is. Only small vessels pass thru there.
One more before I leave, those Big Boys on shore do not know how to open or close a valve (or if they ever did, they forgot) speaking from an Engine Man Merchant Seaman, I’m sure the same applies to Deck.
So long ( for a while) ~
From ALASKA DAILY NEWS
Update, 12:15 p.m.:
Just before noon Monday, Shell spokesman Curtis Smith said the command team, which includes the Coast Guard, is still evaluating options on whether to try to get the Kulluk drilling rig to a safe harbor, probably on Kodiak Island, or whether to continue to wait out the Gulf of Alaska storms offshore.
A morning break in the storms is not expected to last, he said.
“Weather is largely in play here. That is something that needs to be considered very carefully before we make our next move,” Smith said.
Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/12/30/2738222/shell-drill-rig-adrift-again-in.html#storylink=cpy
According to AIS, AIVIQ’s 1600 local position is 57-01 N / 152-50 W, or about 8 miles SSE of Cape Barnabas.
They are presently making good a course to the WNW at about 3 knots. AIS shows 40kts of wind out of the east. They have made good a total of about 4 miles to the NNW over the last 7 hours.
They have about 15 miles to go to the W to reach Black Point at the SW end of Sitkalidak Island.
It looks to me like they may be trying to run before the wind to Black Point and then work their north way into shelter behind Sitkalidak Island.