Prince William Sound

"On April 22, 1991 the processor Prince William Sound caught fire while moored at Captain's Bay at Unalaska Island. The vessel carried an estimated 135,000 gal of diesel fuel. There were also small quantities of oxygen, acetylene, and ammonia; 10 bbbl of lube oil; and 7 bbls of gasoline stored on deck. The fire was started by a welding operation in the tool room, which caused a fire in adjacent packing boxes. The local fire department attempted unsuccessfully to put out the fire. A decision was made to tow the burning vessel out to sea a safe distance NW of Unalaska Island. The vessel was 15 mi offshore when the tow line parted and it was till burning. By 4/24, the tow was regained and the fire was nearly burned out. No black smoke was seen coming from the burning vessel, so it was assumed that her diesel fuel tanks were still intact. This was confirmed when the vessel was boarded on the following weekend. The owner, Trident Seafoods, towed the vessel to its facilities at Akutan Harbor after her structural integrity had been confirmed. The fuel was pumped off and plans were made to tow the vessel to Seattle for repairs."