Unalaska, AK – A loader belonging to Northern Mechanical was stolen - and then abandoned in Summer Bay Lake.

A report that there was an overturned loader in the lake was made this morning at around 10:15. Police and rescue responded, finding the loader just off over Overland, on the backside of Summer Bay Lake. No one was found in the loader or in its immediate vicinity.

The loader is still belly up in the lake, and there are rainbow oil sheens around it. Sgt Matt Betzen said some of the oil had spread, and that Coast Guard had been alerted to the water damage.

"The was oil and gas all around the loader that was being blown by the window," say Betzen. I think I saw some all the way down near the creek entrance."

According to Marine Science Technician First Class Jason Munoz, the loader is a 980 Caterpillar vehicle that holds about 90 gallons of diesel fuel. That's the maximum amount of diesel that could have leaked. The fuel cap is still on and secure, and it is unclear how much fuel the loader contained. The loader also holds about 10 gallons of lube oil and 40 to 50 gallons of hydraulic oil.

Coast Guard has placed an absorbent sweep around the vehicle. The sweep works like a sponge: It absorbs oil product, but doesn't pick up the water. The hope is that will help mitigate the damage.

Given the size of the equipment and the presence of only a one-lane road, the recovery of the loader should present a challenge.

"I know that the owner is very interested in recovering it, says Betzen. "And I have no idea how he is going to be able to do that."

Last night, a number of cars had gotten stuck further up the road, but Betzen says that the police do not know the relationship between the loader and the vehicles at this point.

A stolen vehicle report had also been filed by Northern Mechanical. The police department is currently investigating the incident.