A derelict vessel is submerged in Gastineau Channel near the Douglas Bridge on Oct. 23, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

A derelict vessel is submerged in Gastineau Channel near the Douglas Bridge on Oct. 23, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Boat sinks in Gastineau Channel

Midway through last week, a boat with no name sank into the waters of Gastineau Channel. As of Monday afternoon, the 28-foot vessel was still submerged, having broken free of its line in Aurora Harbor and drifted to the area of the channel near the Breeze-In Grocery in Douglas.

Harbormaster Dave Borg said Monday that Docks &Harbors officials and Coast Guard officials were meeting that afternoon to discuss what steps to take next. Borg said this is a fairly rare situation, and they’ll give the boat owner a chance to take care of the problem first.

“I have actually talked to the owner of the vessel,” Borg said. “His plan is to get it out of the water. We have to give him the opportunity to do that.”

The owner, who is a long-time harbor patron, told Borg that he has done this before. He hopes to drag it up on the beach and let the water drain out of it. Borg theorized that rainwater might have filled the boat and caused it to sink.

Borg said the boat went down midway through last week, and then broke loose of the tug that was holding it in place on Thursday and has been drifting since then.

The Coast Guard posted on Facebook this weekend and Borg said Monday that there aren’t any major environmental concerns with the boat. There does not appear to be any leaking fuel, he said.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 17

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Juneau Police Department cars are parked outside the downtown branch station on Thursday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
JPD’s daily incident reports getting thinner and vaguer. Why and does it matter?

Average of 5.12 daily incidents in October down from 10.74 a decade ago; details also far fewer.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, Nov. 18, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The Douglas Island Breeze In on Wednesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
New owner seeks to transfer Douglas Island Breeze In’s retail alcohol license to Foodland IGA

Transfer would allow company to take over space next to supermarket occupied by Kenny’s Liquor Market.

A butter clam. Butter clams are found from the Aleutian Islands to the California coast. They are known to retain algal toxins longer than other species of shellfish. (Photo provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Among butter clams, which pose toxin dangers to Alaska harvesters, size matters, study indicates

Higher concentrations found in bigger specimens, UAS researchers find of clams on beaches near Juneau.

An aerial view of people standing near destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on Oct. 8, 2024 in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Members of U.S. Senate back disaster aid request amid increasing storm severity

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration’s request for nearly $100 billion in natural… Continue reading

Media members and other observers gather at the Alaska Division of Elections office on Wednesday evening as the results of all ballots, including ranked choice tabulations, were announced. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Ranked choice voting repeal fails by 0.2%, Begich defeats Peltola 51.3%-48.7% on final day of counting

Tally released Wednesday night remains unofficial until Nov. 30 certification.

Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
The Governor’s House: Welcoming Alaskans for more than 100 years

Mansion has seen many updates to please occupants, but piano bought with first funds still playable.

The language of Ballot Measure 2 appears on Alaska’s 2024 absentee ballots. The measure would repeal the states open primary and ranked choice voting system. (Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon)
Count tightens to 45-vote margin for repealing Alaska’s ranked choice system going into final day

State Division of Elections scheduled to conduct final tally at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Most Read