Tow line attached to grounded drilling ship in Alaska

ANCHORAGE — Responders say a main tow line has been attached to a Shell oil-drilling ship that grounded on rocks near a remote Alaska island.

Unified Command spokesman Ignacio Gonzalez says the Royal Dutch Shell's Kulluk was attached to the towing vessel about 4 p.m. Sunday.

Gonzalez, a Shell employee, says the tow line's tension is being tested on the drill ship grounded off Sitkalidak Island.

Crews are waiting for the go-ahead from a salvage team before trying to tow the ship 30 miles to shelter in Kodiak Island's Kiliuda Bay. Gonzalez says a decision has not yet been made on when the attempt will occur.

Responders say there's no sign of a breached hull or oil spill.

By The Associated Press