Crews prep for recovery of grounded drilling rig

[January 05, 2013]  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- The assessment of a Shell drilling rig grounded off a remote Alaska island continued Friday, with officials putting more salvagers onboard.

Officials say in a release that critical response gear was put into place for the eventual recovery operation.

The Kulluk (CULL'-uck) ran aground Monday near Kodiak Island.

Power generators also were delivered. A majority of 14 support ships are expected to be in place this weekend.

Members of the command team also met with Alaska Native leaders in the nearby community of Old Harbor to hear their concerns over the grounding.

The Kulluk performed preliminary work on a well during the open water season in the Beaufort (BOH'-fort) Sea.

It was being towed to Seattle last week for upgrades when it became separated from tow lines during a storm.

[Associated Press]

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