78-Foot F/V Northern Endurance Runs Aground Near Unalaska

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the 78-foot F/V NORTHERN ENDURANCE ran aground near Little Priest Rock, approximately three miles from Unalaska.

The City of Unalaska Fire Department initially arrived on the scene, then relinquished control of the situation to U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Unit. A representative from the Fire Department confirmed that the vessel’s captain had assured authorities that all crew members were unharmed, and there were no immediate environmental hazards to report.

The following morning, Resolve Marine, a local salvage operation, was successful in freeing the F/V NORTHERN ENDURANCE, according to Lt. Lawrence Schalles, who heads the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Unit in Unalaska. The vessel has been secured near Unalaska’s spit for a thorough inspection.

The U.S. Coast Guard has launched an inquiry into the circumstances of the grounding, as is customary for incidents involving commercial fishing vessels. John Hollingsworth, Chief Operating Officer of the Marine Exchange of Alaska, commented that the vessel appeared to maintain a steady course toward Dutch Harbor before the accident. Possible causes under consideration include mechanical failure, navigation system issues, or human error. It was noted that radio exchanges between another vessel and the harbor master raised concerns about the position of F/V NORTHERN ENDURANCE prior to the incident.

The grounding briefly forced the closure of Summer Bay Road, near Iliuliuk Bay, though it was reopened later on Friday.

Thanks to the joint efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard, Unalaska’s emergency services, and Resolve Marine, the F/V NORTHERN ENDURANCE has been recovered.