MV Chilkat Vessel Removal

BY Eric Rose

Director of Business Development www.seafarershouse.org

On January 13, 2021, during a severe weather event with wind gusts up to 50 knots combined with a high tide, the MV Chilkat and two other vessels broke loose from a pier in the Guemes Channel, Anacortes, WA. The 99’ Chilkat capsized, sinking in 35 FSW just west of the Guemes Island Ferry’s navigation lane. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR) took emergency custody of the vessel citing its proximity to the ferry terminal along with the potential to break up or block navigation and activated Global’s response teams.

Global conducted a preliminary dive survey to inspect for damage and develop a lift plan. The dive team also marked the vessel with lighted buoys, providing a visual aid along with the Coast Guard’s Notice to Mariners warning the navigation hazard. The vessel was not in service at the time of her sinking and had no notable amounts of fuel or pollutants on board.

After assessing the vessel’s current position, environmental conditions, and available vessel construction information, the Salvage Master and Brian Thomas of Thomas Naval Architecture developed a plan for the Chilkat’s removal. With an estimated weight of 300-400 tons, the Kiewit derrick barge DB General was

Chilkat Lifted Clear-MV Chilkat lifted clear of water// MV Chilkat lifted clear of water