3 Fisherman Medevaced After Ammonia Leak in the Bearing Sea

Posted in Alaska Maritime News,Fishing Vessel Accidents on May 11, 2012

Three crewmembers of a Seattle-based fishing trawler had to be medevaced after being exposed to an ammonia leak while fishing in Alaskan waters Thursday.

According to the Coast Guard report, personnel from Coast Sector Anchorage received a report at appoximately 12:38 p.m. on Thurday of an ammonia leak aboard the 218-foot F/V Alaska Juris, resulting in exposure to three crewmembers.

The Coast Guard responded, sending two helicopters, an airplane and a cutter to the location of the vessel, which at the time was about 80 miles north of Cold Bay in the Bearing Sea.  Once on scene, one of the helicopters medevaced the three ill crewman and took them to Anchorage for medical attention. The men were later reported to be in good condition.

A total of 49 people were aboard the vessel at the time of the leak.  The incident is under investigation.

Harsh environments and dangerous work conditions are nothing new for workers in Alaska’s maritime and fisheries industries, and can lead to serious injury or death.  If you find yourself injured while working aboard a fishing vessel in Alaskan waters, it is imperative you consult a Jones Act attorney who is well versed in the Fishing Vessel Safety Act.

Photo: Alaska Juris crewman offloaded from the helicopter in Cold Bay May 10, 2012.