Cougar Ace pumping going well; now listing at only 12 degrees

8/18/06

Juneau, Alaska

On Sunday, August 13, 2006 the ballasting of tank #4S was completed and free water on # 9 deck port side, was pumped over the side.

On Tuesday, August 15, 2006, the USCG Marine Safety Detachment (MSD) in Dutch Harbor reported that the Cougar Ace list is currently at 12 degrees and vessel stable. The owners, Mitsui OSK Lines, and Titan are conducting soundings of all tanks to verify the vessel stability in order for Titan, the contracted salvor, to return operation of the vessel to Mitsui OSK Lines.

The vessel's emergency generator is on line and the service generator is being considered for placing back on line once Titan releases the ship back to the owners. The owners plan to clean transmission fluid and lubricants from all the car decks and containerize the recovered fluids for proper disposal. MSD personnel reported that most decks suffered vehicle damage and all vehicles must be re-secured. MSD also reported the water, sewage systems, fire main and low pressure CO2 systems are inoperable and will be evaluated for repairs by the owner.

The Tugs Sea Victory and Gladiator remain standing by Cougar Ace on scene in Wide Bay with the Makushin Bay, Kashega Barge and the M/V Redeemer in port.

The salvage crew has boarded the Cougar Ace and recovered and organized all salvage equipment back onboard the Makushin Bay and Redeemer. This equipment will be kept on stand by at the dock for demobilization back to Titan's warehouse in Florida.

More information is available on the Alaska Dept. of Environmental Conservation website at: http://www.dec.state.ak.us/spar/cougarace

From US Coast Guard Press Release

Vessel Position as of 8/8/2006 (PDF 258K)