Kulluk Drillship Still Aground off Alaska Coast
B. McPherson The Shell Oil Arctic drillship Kulluk , remains aground on the shore of a small Alaskan island. The conical drilling platform grounded on shore December 31 after being set adrift by its tow ship which suffered engine failure at about the same time. Alaskan storms are fierce this time of year and 50 foot swells made towing the drillship too dangerous. All personnel remaining on the vessel were removed safely. The Kulluk was being moved from Alaskan waters to Washington State for the winter season. There are two contrasting stories about why the ship was being towed so late in the season. One version states that it was being moved for repairs and refurbishment, the other is that Shell Oil was seeking to avoid a $7 million tax that would have come into effect if the vessel remained in state territory after January 1 st . In any event, the vessel remains in Alaskan waters and costs for the salvage operation will mount quickly. Approximately 600 people are curr...