DUTCH HARBOR, Alaska — The crew of USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722) assisted in the rescue and safe transit of a 400-foot cargo vessel with 12 people aboard during a multiple day operation in the Gulf of Alaska.
The Resolve Pioneer, a seagoing tugboat based in Dutch Harbor, arrived on scene Saturday and set up tow with the motor vessel BBC Colorado under the observation of Morgenthau. Upon confirmation that the tow was holding and intact, Morgenthau's crew resumed their mission of fisheries enforcement in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea, and the Resolve Pioneer made way for Washington with the BBC Colorado in tow.
The Coast Guard received the initial call for help Oct. 5 from the master of the BBC Colorado who reported the vessel experienced a severe engine casualty, restricting their speed and maneuverability. With forecasted seas of 30-feet and winds in excess of 58 mph closing in on its location, the Colorado's master requested the Coast Guard’s assistance. The Morgenthau was diverted to the scene approximately 500 miles away from their position at the time.
While en route, the Morgenthau’s operations personnel worked jointly with the 17th District Command Center in Juneau to create a rescue assistance plan for the Colorado. Coast Guard personnel issued a marine assistance request broadcast, resulting in a positive response from the Resolve Pioneer. The Resolve Pioneer began making way toward the BBC Colorado Oct. 7.
Once within range of the BBC Colorado, the Morgenthau crew launched their embarked MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to evaluate the condition of the cargo vessel, capture images of the vessel to better plan the towing evolution and make radio contact with the master.
Morgenthau then maintained a constant presence with the Colorado for over 24 hours until the Resolve Pioneer crew was on scene. Morgenthau readied emergency gear and crews, including heavy towing lines and survival equipment in case immediate response was necessary.
Morgenthau, home ported in Honolulu, was on an Alaska Patrol to carry out a living marine resources mission in the Bering Sea at the time of the case.
The Resolve Pioneer and Morgenthau have trained together on emergency towing evolutions in the past. In September of this year the two vessels conducted a training exercise near Dutch Harbor utilizing a towing system designed specifically for large cargo vessels disabled in the region.