It Looks Like They Just Pulled the Kulluk Off the Beach and Are Towing It Toward the East - Confirmed

A marked change in vessel configurations, courses and speeds indicate the probability that the Kulluk has been extricated from the beach.  Everyone is exiting stage right at about 3.5 knots.

Be safe!

Confirmed:

ANCHORAGE, AK: At approximately 10:10 p.m., the Kulluk drilling vessel was refloated from its Sitkalidak Island position. Currently, the Kulluk is attached to the Aiviq by tow line.  

The Kulluk is currently floating offshore while personnel are assessing the condition of the vessel. 

Three additional tugs are on standby along with the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley and two oil spill response vessels. “Following this initial step forward, we will continue to remain cautious while we assess the Kulluk’s condition,” said Martin Padilla, Incident Commander.

“We will not move forward to the next phase until we are confident that we can safely transport the vessel.” 

There are currently more than 730 people involved in the response and recovery operation including local residents and a local on-site coordinator.

Following this stage of the operation there continue to be no injuries to response personnel.

All ships are currently moving easterly at about 3.4 knots, so the UC report is already superseded by actual events.