Crowley crews’ courage recognised

Captain Rodney Layton and his crew aboard Crowley’s prevention and response tug Alert were recognised by USCG Captain Paul Mehler III, sector commander captain of the port for their “Professionalism, courage and flawless performance in extreme conditions” during the rescue tow. The Kulluk was under tow to its winter home in Seattle after working in the Beaufort Sea off the Alaska North Slope. After meeting storm conditions the towline broke and the drill barge’s crew winched to safety by helicopters.

Normally employed for tanker escorts at Valdez, the 10,192 hp Alert had responded to the request to assist the drifting drill barge in rough weather and sea conditions. With their decks awash Alert’s crew caught a trailing line from the Kulluk and commenced towing, action that slowed and re-oriented the barge’s drift allowing the tug that originally had charge of the tow to reconnect. Despite valiant efforts in extreme conditions however, this tow parted again after 10 hours. The efforts of the vessels and crews were unable to prevent the Kulluk running ground. The drill barge was later refloated.

The Alert had at the time remained connected to the Kulluk in very high seas and 40 to 50 knot winds until directed to release the tow wire by the Coast Guard Unified Command the following day. In addition to the commendation for the crew of Alert, the Coast Guard also recognised those on board Crowley’s tug Guardsman which played a part in the drama providing assistance and logistical support.

Thomas Hancock, Crowley’s assistant port captain in Valdez, commented: “It was an honor to attend this event and to see the pride and dedication that our mariners have achieved. Alert is a world-class vessel that can only operate to the ability of its crew. The crew is the key ingredient for a successful outcome and the crew is only as good as their leader. Capt. Layton is a true leader.”

By Peter Barker