Incident News

On March 18, 2019, the USCG Sector Miami/RRT contacted the NOAA SSC to discuss response options for a Haitian freighter at the Port of Miami anchorage. The vessel has 4500 gallons of diesel on board, some other various hazmat items not yet identified, and is taking on sea water. Weather and trajectory products requested but vessel is not leaking fuel oil at this time.

The NOAA SSC received a notification from USCG Sector Hampton Roads on 18 March, 2019 about an estimated four miles of coal that has washed ashore in Chesapeake Bay adjacent to Cape Charles, VA on the Eastern Shore. Coal was first observed coming ashore on 14 March. USCG is in the process of establishing a Unified Command to address the situation. USCG requested NOAA to provide clean-up recommendations and to identify possible resources at risk.

On March 17 2019 Sector Houston-Galveston notified NOAA SSC about a tank farm fire in Deer Park, TX (Houston area). Tank with capacity of 80,000 gallons naptha is on fire. Fire still burning, source not controlled, two additional tanks (one xylene, one gas blend) also at risk from fire. Inland zone, EPA FOSC, Coast Guard in liaision role at ICP in event there is a discharge that enters Tucker Bayou. SSC provided support on chemical properties, response options, and resources at risk.

On March 16, 2019, the NOAA SSC was contacted by the Department of the Interior regarding a diesel spill from an upland site along the Buskin River on Kodiak Island, AK. The leak of roughly 1,300 gallons diesel reportedly occurred overnight between an upland fuel storage tank and a newly installed generator and was discovered this morning. A significant portion of the spilled volume reached the Buskin River and sheens have been observed out to ½ mile from the river’s mouth into Saint Paul Harbor. The Buskin River is a primary recreational and subsistence fishing waterway on Kodiak Island and young pink salmon alevin are reportedly present along the banks of the river at this time. Sorbent and protective boom has been deployed.

On March 16, 2019, USCG Sector North Carolina contacted the NOAA SSC about a cargo vessel that docked at the Port of Morehead City containing a cargo of ferrosilicon. USCG requested technical information about the chemical, associated human health and environmental risks and recommended safety measures. There has not been any chemical release.

On March 10, 2019, the fishing vessel ALL MY JOY capsized after taking on water and notifying the Sector Long Island Sound (all souls rescued). The vessel continued to float upside down and finally grounded about 3/4 miles off Fishers Island, NY. with 2000 gallons of diesel on-board. Only light sheen was observed, the remaining oil still in the tanks. USCG is planning an oil removal and salvage.

On March 7, 2019, the USCG notified the NOLA SSC of a potential release from a tug boat sunken along the left descending bank at MM 132 near La Place, LA. The vessel has a worst case potential discharge of 9,500 gallons diesel. A slight sheen reported. The USCG requested an oil trajectory.

February 28, 2019 - An unknown quantity of transformer oil was released into the Deschutes River from the site of the old Olympia Brewery in Tumwater, Washington. The maximum capacity of the transformer was 700 gallons. The spill is now controlled and the cause of release is under investigation.

On 27-Feb-2019, the FV Arctic Storm experienced an equipment failure and a release of 1081 gallons of hydraulic oil. USCG Sector Anchorage is requesting a fate analysis and trajectory.

On 26-Feb-2019 at 0933, the 74’ Landing Craft Don Quixote began taking on water and ran aground on Kodiak Island. The LC has approximately 800 gal of Diesel and 50 gal of Oil onboard. A sheen has been spotted coming from the vessel and an unkown amount of product has been discharged. Sector Anchorage is requesting fate analysis and trajectory.

On 29-Jan-2019, at 1810, a Guardian medical flight went down south of Admiralty Island. Global Salvage is on scene to recover the plane and black box. They are requesting a NWS Spot Forecast for dive operations.

On February 25, 2019, USCG Sector Detroit contacted SSC about a private residence discharging oil from a sump pump into Lake St. Clair. Source of oil is believed to be an underground home heating oil tank.

On February 23, 2019, a Boeing 767 cargo plane crashed into Trinity Bay, Texas. Aircraft reported to be carrying 24,000 gallons of JP-5 (heavy kerosene). Sector Houston-Galveston and Texas General Land Office (TGLO) responded. Large debris field was present, no visible sheen or recoverable oil. TGLO provided fate analysis, CG requested no additional products. Recovery operations suspended at nightfall.

At 0200 on 23-Feb-2019, the FV Kaia ran aground on the north side of Unimak Island. The Kaia is a steel hulled fishing boat carrying a reported 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel. No report of a spill at this time. At this time, all crew are still onboard. A USCG helicopter is enroute. Weather is 35 kt winds and 12 foot seas. Sector Anchorage is requesting fates analysis, a trajectory, and potential resources at risk.

On the morning of February 17, 2019, the M/V St Clair was reported to be on fire at the CSX pier on the Maumee River in Toledo, OH. The vessel was reported to have 69,000 gallons of #6 fuel oil aboard though there are no reports of pollution.

On February 15, 2019, MSU Port Arthur contacted ERD to request trajectory for sheen located approximately 60 miles offshore. Sheen reported as 16 ft x 2 miles rainbow in NRC#1237739. AIRSTA Houston launched helo, unable to reach site due to weather. Local assets confirmed presence of sheen, but located no apparent source. We do not expect shoreline impacts based on the current observations.

On 15-FEB-2019, at 0430, the FV Pacific I was reported sunk approximately 3 miles northwest of Kismaliuk Bay on the northwest side of Unalaska Island. It is unknown if there has been any release; estimated total of oils on board is 6000 gallons. Vessel is sunk in approximately 225 feet of water. USCG Sector Anchorage is requesting fate and trajectory at this time.

On the morning of February 13th, 2019, Oregon DEQ notified the NOAA Duty Officer of a spill of approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel from an overturned tanker truck on I-84 near Lindsay Creek in Oregon. Oregon DEQ is on scene and has initiated booming to contain the spill within Lindsay Lake and prevent it from getting into the Columbia River.

On the afternoon of February 10th, 2019, NW SSC was notified by USCG Sector Puget Sound of a 50' trawler which ran aground at the northern end of the Swinomish Channel near Padilla Bay. Vessel appears to be intact at this time as there is no reported sheen. USCG and Swinomish Tribe will attempt to get a party aboard to sound the vessel to determine if any product is still aboard. Swinomish tribe is attempting to contact the owner. USCG will continue to monitor the site for any signs of spillage.

On the afternoon of February 8th, 2019, the T/V Ed MCLaughlin capsized on the Ohio River at mile marker 259. The vessel sank in approximately 75 feet of water with 4906 gals of diesel, 110 gals of lube oil, and 55 gals of hydraulic oil aboard. Light sheening has been reported near the vessel sinking site. USCG requested fate, effects, and trajectory.