Engine problems to keep Coast Guard heavy icebreaker out of service until at least January

Engine problems sideline Coast Guard icebreaker

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Engine problems will keep the Coast Guard’s only functioning heavy icebreaker in port for the rest of the year.

Inspections of the 399-foot Polar Sea’s main diesel engines revealed premature excessive wear in 33 cylinder assemblies. An analysis to determine the cause is expected by August.

The Polar Sea was scheduled to support operations off Alaska’s coast, including oil spill recovery exercises and standby search and rescue, starting in August. The Coast Guard says the vessel likely will be unavailable until at least January.

The Coast Guard’s other large polar icebreaker, the Polar Star, is being reactivated but will not be ready until 2013.