Japanese Fishing Vessel Among Tsunami Debris Drifting Toward Alaska

Sen. Begich Calls for Emergency Research Funds to Study Debris

March 31, 2012|By Ted Land and Abby Hancock | Channel 2 News

DND

SEATTLE, Washington — A 150 foot Japanese fishing vessel, believed to be washed out to sea by an earthquake and tsunami last March, has appeared off the coast of British Columbia and is expected to drift north toward Alaska, according to NOAA.

Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) learned more about the errant ship and the possibility of additional tsunami debris during a briefing in Seattle, Friday.

Begich and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) are asking that President Obama direct emergency research funds at groups which would study incoming debris and forecast its path.

They worry foreign objects could soon litter the West Coast, damaging fisheries, interrupting transportation, and possibly harming delicate ecosystems.

“It’s not a theory, it’s actually happening,” said Begich, “we’re trying to send a message to the administration that this is a serious issue.”

The lawmakers are also asking that the federal government develop a formal response plan for dealing with incoming debris.

“Waiting until the debris is here is probably not the best response plan,” said Cantwell.

According to Peter Murphy, NOAA's coordinator for Alaska, the agency does not have an estimate on when or where the ship would end up. He says NOAA is working with the Coast Guard on a response plan.

"They're evaluating the best options on what the response will be, if and when this reaches Alaska waters and then threatens our shores," said Murphy.

Smaller debris has already washed up on the shores of Hawaii, the West coast, and Alaska, says Jeremy Zidek with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

"We will continue to monitor it and take the appropriate actions," said Zidek.

He says the division is working alongside other departments in responding to tsunami debris.

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