Incident News
SMI 572 Collision, Bayou Perot, Lafitte, LA
On 12MAR, USCG Sector New Orleans contacted NOAA SSC in regards to a tug/barge collision with a natural gas pipeline which has resulted in a 100 ft tall fire and four injuries, one severe. The incident occurred in Bayou Perot outside Lafitte, LA. The barge contained 2215 bbl crude oil and the tug contained 1000 gl diesel. The tug and barge are currently on fire. USCG is requesting a trajectory to support pollution response operations as oil has already been sighted on the water.
Mystery Sheen, Timbalier Block 30, 5mi Offshore, LA
On 12MAR, USCG MSU Morgan City contacted NOAA SSC in regards to a report of a mystery sheen, 5mi by 100 yrd, with 50% cover of rainbow and silver sheen. The sheen was reported by a platform in Timbalier Block 30 after witnessing a vessel transit the area. The sheen appears to be traveling west. The product chemistry and quantity is not known. USCG is requesting a trajectory from NOAA.
Mystery Sheen , West Delta 80, LA
On 09MAR13, USCG MSU Morgan City contacted NOAA SSC in regards to a mystery sheen reported in West Delta Block 80, 21 miles southeast of Grande Isle. The sheen is reported as 5 miles by 5 miles with 70% dark blue/brown and 30% light rainbow. USCG has requested a trajectory from NOAA.
UTV JUSTICE Sunk, MM 161, Mississippi River, LA
On 07MAR13 at 0200 hrs, USCG Sector New Orleans contacted NOAA SSC about a potential release of diesel fuel and lube oil from a sunken tug at mile marker 161.5, about 200 feet off the right descending bank. At this point, no sheen is observed and USCG is requesting a trajectory from NOAA as a preventative measure.
Mystery grease balls, Vashon Island, WA
On March 7, 2013 USCG Sector Puget Sound reported to the SSC that there are scattered, what appear to be lube oil balls on the South side of Robinson Park on Vashon Island, WA.
M/V Champion Express adrift, Off Half Moon Bay, CA
In the evening of 28-Feb-2013, the 628 foot M/V CHAMPION EXPRESS was reported adrift approximately 8NM West of Half Moon Bay, CA. The loaded bulk cargo ship carrying liquid fertilizer had reported an engine leak that forced an engine shutdown. At the time USCG contacted their NOAA SSC, she had been drifting for approximately 5 hours. A tug was en route at the time of the call and expected to be on-scene in an hour or so. USCG Sector SF requested a precautionary drift estimate of the ship in the event there is difficulty getting her under tow. No pollution has been reported or is anticipated at this time.
M/V Helena Star sunk, Tacoma, WA
On January 25, 2013 the 167 ft M/V HELENA STAR sank in the Hylebos Waterway in Tacoma, WA. The NOAA SSC has been requested to look at proposed salvage/clean-up actions in regards to possible affects to the surrounding environment.
Tug Miss Melinda, Near Empire Locks, LA
On February 28, 2013, 0815 PST the USCG Sector New Orleans reported a sunken tug, Miss Melinda, located 1 NM off of Empire Locks in Louisiana. Sector New Orleans requested NOAA's Emergency Response Division provide a trajectory with a worse case scenario for a potential release of 4000 gallons of diesel fuel.
Wellhead Allision, Lake Washington, LA
On 26FEB13, USCG Sector New Orleans contacted NOAA SSC in regards to an allision that occurred at 8:00 pm between a 42 ft. aluminum hull crew boat and an inactive wellhead in the Lake Washington Field in Lake Grande Ecaille (~11 miles due west of Empire, LA). Initial reports from personnel on scene estimate either crude oil, produced water, or natural gas is discharging from the well. The well has been shut in since December 2007 and no flow lines are attached. USCG is requesting a trajectory to support the morning operations.
Offshore Collision, Vermillion Block 94, LA
On 26FEB13, USCG MSU Morgan City contacted NOAA SSC about a potential release from a drilling rig due to a collision with a salvage work boat. A drilling rig has been lifted and resting on the seabed for approximately two months waiting to be salvaged. A salvage company was recently hired and is starting to work on the vessel. The salvage work boat and the drilling rig are about to collide. The crew has been safely removed and USCG is concerned about a release of the remaining product on the drilling rig. USCG is requesting a trajectory for a diesel, lube oil and hydraulic fluid release.