Shipwreck Log

On June 3, the barge DBL165-1 ran aground on the Kongiganak River near Bethel, Alaska. The barge, loaded with 190 tons of jet fuel, 60 tons of diesel and 3 tons of gasoline was being pushed by the tug Nanchik when it grounded on a mud flat.  Initial attempts to refloat the barge at high tide failed. A Coast Guard plane conducted a flight over the vessel and found no damage was found to the tanks or the hull.  Reports state the majority of the fuel on board was lightered to another vessel.  Authorities plan on doing  an onsite assessment and monitor the situation.  No reports of injuries or pollution released.  Reports also stated the Kongiganak’s main channel changes quite often and that a skiff would travel in front of the barge to check the river depths.