Freighter Golden Seas disabled in Bering Sea

[Trelawney]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11917371

Disabled freighter adrift in Bering Sea with 20 crew A disabled freighter carrying a cargo of canola seed and fuel is adrift in the Bering Sea with 20 crew on board, the US Coast Guard has said.

The 732ft (223m) Golden Seas issued a distress call saying it was disabled in rough seas about 60 miles (96km) north-west of the small community of Adak, in Alaska, officials said.

The main engine of the Greek-owned ship reportedly failed early on Friday.

Two Coast Guard helicopters and a plane have been sent to the scene.

The vessel was carrying more than 457,500 gallons (2,050,000 litres) of bunker oil, close to 12,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 10,000 gallons of lubricating oil, Petty Officer David Mosley said.

It is unclear how much canola seed the Liberian-flagged ship is carrying. The seed can be crushed to produce vegetable oil and is also used in animal feed.

There were no immediate plans to evacuate the vessel, but that could change once rescue crews arrive at the scene, Mr Mosley said.

Winds in the area were blowing at 45mph (72 km/h), with 29ft (9m) seas, the Coast Guard said.

There have been no reports of injuries among those on board the ship

[Timsen]

Photo Release of USCG:
http://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/780/474403/