Murphy’s Law was proven once again this weekend as the Noble Discoverer, a Shell-contracted drill ship destined to start drilling in arctic waters, encountered ground tackle issues of some sort last night and wound up dangerously close to the shore of Hog Island in Unalaska Bay near Dutch Harbor.
The state of Alaska has a number of different anchorages available in Unalaska Bay depending on the gross tonnage of a given vessel. Wide Bay or Broad Bay (directly to the south of Wide Bay) are two designated anchorages for vessels greater than 20,000 gross tons, however the anchorage between Hog Island and Amaknak Island is the likely place where the Noble Discoverer was anchored. This anchorage is rated for vessels between 10,000 and 19,999 GT which draw 30 feet or less.
At 13,485 GT, the Noble Discoverer is rated to anchor in that area.
Winds were blowing up to 35 knots at the time of the incident and the mud bottom should have provided a secure hold for the ship’s anchor(s).
Coast Guard spokeswoman Petty Officer Sara Francis commented, “We received a report at about 5:18 p.m. that the anchor let go and they were traveling toward shore. They took quick action with the assistance of tugs to redirect and move the vessel away from shore.”
Shell spokesperson Curtis Smith commented on the incident:
Today, while moored off the coast of Dutch Harbor, the Noble Discoverer drill ship drifted toward land and stopped very near the coast. One of Shell’s vessels, the Lauren Foss, then safely towed the Discoverer to its prior mooring position, and the ship’s engines were started. Shell personnel are now evaluating the ship’s mooring system to determine why the vessel moved closer to shore. As a precaution, we have activated a dive team to inspect the drill ship.
UPDATE: The USCG reports no underwater damage to the Noble Discoverer, however Shell is dispatching a 3rd party dive team to inspect the vessel.
Follow the Forum discussion HERE
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,141 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) is forging ahead with its offshore wind development plans in California, despite looming political uncertainties surrounding the incoming Trump administration. In a move...
Two of the world's biggest renewables players on Wednesday warned of challenges for the U.S. offshore wind sector under a presidency led by Donald Trump, flagging potential delays for the technology slammed by the president-elect.
A Russian Navy frigate equipped with new generation hypersonic cruise missiles has conducted drills in the English Channel and is carrying out tasks in the Atlantic Ocean, Russian news agencies reported on Tuesday.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,141 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
