Unified Command has confirmed the Kulluk safely arrived at its final safe harbour location in Kiliuda Bay on 7 January where it will undergo assessment. Watch a video of the tow and a 3D animation of the recovery operation here, on SWZonline.
The Kulluk travelled 45 nautical miles since the start of the tow, roughly 12 hours before anchoring. Average speed has been 3.5 knots or 4 mph.
Unified Command also confirmed:
Support vessels Alert, Lauren Foss and Corbin Foss remain connected to the Kulluk.
The Aiviq has disconnected from the Kulluk but is standing by.
A Coast Guard overflight today did not observe any sheen in the vicinity.
The Warrior, Ocean Wave, Perseverance, Nanuq and Alex Haley are standing by.
Refloated
On Sunday afternoon, salvage teams successfully attached the main tow line to the Kulluk drilling unit.
The Salvage Master had the discretion to initiate the tow should favorable conditions occur throughout the night. At approximately 10:10 p.m., 6 January, the Kulluk was refloated from its Ocean Bay position, off Sitkalidak Island.
15,000 Feet of Boom
The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley escorted the tow to Kiliuda Bay along with two oil spill response vessels and other support vessels. A 500-yard radius safety zone around the Kulluk followed the escort and remains in place in Kiliuda Bay. The combined fleet has 15,000 feet of boom should it be needed. Additional boom has been staged in various locations.
The Kulluk has been grounded since 31 December, after it broke tow during severe weather conditions.
