United States - October 12, 2024

Amidst the tempestuous seas off the Alaskan coast, the cargo ship Pan Viva is holding firm against the onslaught of a brutal storm, its crew and the vessel's safety at the forefront of a coordinated maritime rescue effort.

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the 738-foot bulk carrier, flying the Panamanian flag, found itself in dire straits approximately 2.3 miles northeast of Unalaska. The ship, battling winds reaching speeds of 58 knots and waves cresting at 29 feet, managed to anchor securely, preventing the risk of running aground during this fierce storm.

The U.S. Coast Guard, in a prompt response, has been working tirelessly alongside state and local partners to secure the safety of the 21 crew members aboard and to safeguard the marine environment from any potential disaster. An evacuation operation saw four crew members airlifted to safety by a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, with the remaining crew still aboard the Pan Viva.

The Coast Guard Cutter Stratton is stationed at Udegak Pass, ready to intervene should the situation escalate. The incident coincides with a severe weather warning from the National Weather Service, highlighting a powerful low-pressure system over the Gulf of Alaska, creating hazardous conditions across the marine environment.

Despite the extreme conditions, the Pan Viva, en route from Dandong, China to Kalama, Washington, has reported no mechanical issues or environmental breaches. "The Pan Viva remains at anchor. Weather is anticipated to subside [on Monday], and the vessel will assess weighing anchor," noted the Coast Guard in their latest statement.

As the storm's fury is expected to wane, the focus remains on monitoring the ship's condition and ensuring the crew's safety. The Coast Guard and its partners are poised for any necessary action, maintaining open lines with the vessel and promising to keep the public informed as the situation develops.