Tanker Vessel SKS SATILLA; GOM, off Galveston, TX

Source report excerpt: “On 6 March 2009, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator was notified of a possible pollution threat. The SKS SATILLA, a 900-ft Norwegian flagged tank ship carrying approximately 130K MT of crude oil (density dependant, but likely more than 38 Million gallons of crude oil), reported listing 8 degrees and taking on water about 65-miles offshore of Galveston TX. The reported position is 28° 35.7’ N Lat. 093° 51.5’ W Long. An 8-degree list, is something to be worried about. Last report was that it was no longer taking on water, but this is very early in the response and direct communications are often poor. No known cause as of yet. The USCG is responding and has initially requested a […]”

Source report excerpt: “(Stock photo from company, this is not a picture of the vessel listing off Galveston Texas.) SKS SATILLA Particulars: Dimensions Length overall 274.20m Breadth moulded 48.00m Depth moulded 23.10m Summer deadweight (about) 159,300mt Summer draft 17.05m Lightweight 23,270mt GT/NT 81,270/52,045 TPC on summer draft 115mt Keel - top of mast 49m Cargo Tank Details Cargo tanks capacity at 98% 167,531m3 No.1 22,624m3 No.2 29,240m3 No.3 29,392m3 No.4 29,392m3 No.5 29,392m3 No.6 27,490m3 Cargo tank coating Pure epoxy except for tanktop Slop tanks 2 x 1,878m3 Cargo Equipment Cargo pumps 3 x centrifugal pumps each 4,000m3/hr Natural segregations with double-valve 3 Cargo heater Stainless steel coils - […]”

Source report excerpt: “"We have three priorities in response to the SKS Satilla. First we want to make sure the crew on board the ship remains safe. We are also closely monitoring the ship to ensure there is minimal environmental impact, and of course the stability of the SKS Satilla is paramount to a positive outcome to this situation," said Cmdr. James Elliott, commanding officer of MSU Galveston. (Source, GuidryNews.com)”

Source report excerpt: “No pollution. No oil spilled. Right now the vessel is reported to have only a .5 degree list to port. CG personnel on-scene observed a hole 18 by 10 inches 7 to 8 ft below the waterline and 8 feet forward of the #3 and #4 bulkhead. An ROV is enroute and should be onscene by 0200.”

Source report excerpt: “At present, the vessel seems stable and pumps are able to maintain a proper vessel alignment. No pollution has been observed. The cause of the incident is unknown. What is known is that the ship’s master reported that at approximately 7:37 AM (local time) the vessel experienced vibration lasting approximately 5 seconds while transiting in bound to the lightering area at position 28° 34.09’ N Lat. 093° 44.4’ W Long. The vessel immediately listed 8 to 9 degree to port. USCG personnel on-scene observed a hull penetration (approximately 10 inches by 18 inches) seven to eight feet below the waterline in the vicinity of the No. 2 ballast tank prior to boarding the vessel. It now appears the tank […]”

Source report excerpt: “The NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator is continuing to provide remote support to the USCG. The vessel is reported stable and operational plans to lighter the vessel continue. The hull-damaged area is characterized as 60 meters by 10 meters with one section of sheared hull plate extending 1.5 meters below the hull. No pollution has been observed. Additional details as to current operations and identification of the submerged obstacle follow. Current Operations: The primary operation offshore is lightering the damaged tanker. The Mooring Master in coordination with the Salvage Master on-scene in consultation with USCG on final preparations. Lightering from the SKS SATILLA to the tanker […]”

Source report excerpt: “Operations are complete for the first phase of Tank Vessel SKS SATILLA lightering operation. The Salvage Master reports ~ 495,931 BBLS, roughly one-half the cargo, successfully offloaded to the EAGLE ALBANY. The EAGLE CHARLOTTE is scheduled to begin mooring and transfer hose connections at about noon today with lightering operations to commence this afternoon. USCG continues to work with the owner to identify a suitable shipyard to make repairs. Salvor divers are getting mobilized to remove sheered metal hanging below the hull once lightering operations are complete tomorrow (weather may be a problem). In addition to completing the lightering operation, the response goal over the next […]”

Source report excerpt: “The USCG Marine Safety Unit Commanding Officer reports that the T/V SKS SATILLA lightering operations were successfully completed this morning. The vessel owners have submitted stability calculations for transit and this information is being reviewed. Ensco Offshore reports the R/V INEZ McCALL is on-scene conducting a sonar survey in the vicinity of the submerged ENSCO-74. A marker buoy is in route. Ensco Offshore promised to submit a preliminary salvage plan to the USCG today. Unless the situation changes, this will serve as the Final NOAA Hotline Report of the SKS SATILLA. Should there be issues with the Ensco 74 sunken rig, a separate Hotline will be initiated.”