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On 24 September at 0515 the Seabulk Arctic picked up an unidentified radar contact departing Port Dick, Alaska. The Seabulk Arctic attempted to establish communications and passing arrangements with the vessel that was now moving at high rate of speed. The vessel appeared to change course to establish a safe passing corridor. At the last minute the high speed vessel changed course into the direction of the Tanker. The Seabulk Arctic made all attempts to communicate with the vessel and maneuver safely out of the way. At 0600, the unidentified vessel appeared to intentionally collide with the Seabulk Arctic causing a violent explosion.
The Seabulk Arctic, now drifting, suffered damage to the Numbers #1 & #2 Starboard Ballast Tanks. The explosion tore a hole at the point of impact, centered on the #1 Ballast Tank extending into the # 2 Starboard ballast tanks at the waterline. The # 1 Starboard cargo tank has open communication with the sea and is no longer holding cargo. The #2 Starboard cargo tank is also leaking oil. The vessel’s propulsion and other shipboard systems are now operational. There are no injuries to the crew of the tanker. Potential spill volume, from cargo tanks 1 and 2, is 1,517,628 gallons.
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