Mystery Disappearance of the Nathan E. Stewart

Mystery Disappearance of the Nathan E. Stewart

by Ingmar Lee - 10,000 Ton Tanker

So we are now able to confirm that the Nathan E Stewart is no longer in service since its mysterious turnaround off Kitkatla on August 7, when it was escorted back to Ketchikan by the tug, Ethan B. 

It is very important to know what sort of difficulty caused the Texas Tanker to reverse course in Canadian waters, and then require an escort. 

Here's the Nokea off Cape Mudge
this morning, (Aug. 30, 2015).

I have contacted the local Ketchikan newspaper regarding this issue and am awaiting a response.

The barge, DBL 55, which is usually " mated" to Nathan E Stewart is now loaded, at Seymour Narrows, northbound and being towed by the Texas-based tug, " Nokea"

Letter to Pacific Pilotage Authority CEO, Captain Kevin Obermeyer

Hello Kevin, just wondering if the Kirby tug, "Nokea" has also received all your 'special waivers?' It is just now as I write, passing through Seymour Narrows, towing the loaded barge DBL 55, which was formerly "mated" to the Nathan E Stewart.

It is of great concern to us that the Nathan E Stewart was turned around in Canadian waters off Kitkatla on August 7th and had to be escorted back to Ketchikan, where it now languishes. Could you please let me know what happened? If you don't know, could you please give them a call and find out?

Also, we need to knwo if that ATB service has now been replaced by the tow-tugs " John Brix" and the "Nokea" -both of which are owned by the Kirby Corporation of Texas.

If so, this is, by your own previous explanations, a reduction in the "high" safety standards of running this petroleum traffic by ATB's.

Sincerely, Ingmar