NOTN- Prolonged heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions have sunk at least eight vessels in Juneau’s harbors, and have required urgent response from Docks and Harbors crews who say they are rapidly running out of resources as the storm continues.
City officials said three additional large vessels sank overnight, bringing the total number of boats lost during the storm to eight. Docks and Harbors officials said Dozens of other vessels have been saved through round-the-clock efforts by Docks and Harbors staff, and by quick action from fellow harbor users and boat owners.
Crews have been working nearly nonstop, deploying every available dewatering pump as heavy snow accumulation overwhelms vessels and dock infrastructure.
Despite those efforts, officials warned that conditions remain severe and that limited equipment and personnel are straining the response.
Juneau Docks and Harbors urged the public to report any vessel at risk of sinking. Harbor staff can be reached at 907-586-5255, and after hours, residents are asked to call the Juneau Police Department’s non-emergency line at 907-586-0600.
In response to the scale of the storm, Docks and Harbors is bringing back seasonal summer staff and has created short-term emergency employment positions to assist with snow removal.
“This is truly an all-hands-on-deck event,” officials said in a Facebook post, thanking harbor users and the Juneau community for their support.