Incident News

On September 3rd, 2020, the M/V Windy K caught fire and ran aground in the St. Clair River at approximately 1600. No injuries reported. Canadian CG is on scene and responding. Sector Detroit requesting trajectory for the potential of 600 gallons of marine diesel release.

On September 2, 2020, the USCG Sector Miami called the NOAA SSC to report a waxy white material that had washed up on Fort Lauderdale Beach near Las Olas Blvd. It was estimated that about a mile of beach was contaminated with a small band of the material. USCG suspect it might be palm oil or something similar. They plan to SCAT the area and collect samples for possible analysis at a local laboratory. No potential source has been identified.

On August 31, 2020, the USCG notified the NOAA SSC that the sailing vessel Ocean Lady was aground at Ocean Shores, WA. The vessel is 27ft with 15gal of diesel, an unknown amount of engine oil, and vessel batteries. Sector Columbia River IMD is seeking RAR and assistance with Section 7 consultation.

On 31-Aug-2020, Sector Anchorage received notification of a potential release of diesel into Nushagak Bay from a grounded barge. The vessel went aground due to a broken anchor chain in bad weather. Potential of 5000 gallons of diesel onboard. Notification only at this time. No products have currently been requested.

In the early afternoon of 30-AUG-2020, a recreational pilot observed a mystery sheen roughly 3.75 miles offshore of San Clemente, CA (between Dana Point and Oceanside). A report was made to the National Response Center almost 24 hrs after the observation, describing the sheen as rainbow in color and roughly 50 feet in diameter. USCG Sector San Diego requested trajectory input in the event they conduct a helicopter overflight.

On 29-Aug-2020, the FV SAAMI ran aground on Kulichkof Rocks in Sitka Sound. The vessel was abandoned and then caught fire. Approximately 500 gallons of diesel were on board at the time of the grounding. USCG MSD Sitka is requesting a fates and trajectory analysis.

30 Aug 2020 NESDIS imagery indicates a 15x1 mile oil anomaly 14 miles south of Marsh Island, LA. USCG, BSEE, and potential RPs are investigating. No additional information at this time.

On August 29, 2020, the USCG notified the NOAA SSC of an explosion at a TPIC platform in Main Pass 67, Venice, LA (NRC 1285919). The platform is on fire but is shut-in. 300bbl of oil/water mixture are stored onsite. It is unknown if a release has occurred. NOAA providing fate & trajectory.

On 27-Aug-2020, MSD Kodial reported that the FV LADY ASHLEY hit a submerged rock, was taking on water, and was then intentionally beached to prevent from sinking. The vessel reportedly has 200 gallons of diesel fuel on board and did not appear to be leaking fuel after the intentional grounding. MSD Kodiak is still investigating and has asked NOAA to stand by for potential requests for science support.

On 25-Aug-2020, Sector Juneau reported that the FV GINNY O was sinking in Crawfish Inlet south of Sitka. The vessel has a maximum fuel capacity of 3500 gallons. The vessel is boomed off, and the fuel vents were plugged. The sheening observed was very light and is contained within the boom. The vessel was not actively sheening.

Hurricane Laura is forecast to make landfall on the Southeast Texas/Southwest Louisiana coast early on the morning of August 27, 2020 as a Category 3 (major) hurricane. This Hotline is being opened for reporting from all units and SSCs.

On August 21, 2020, the USCG Sector New Orleans Incident Management Division (IMD) received NRC#1285147 reporting a discharge of approximately 3 bbl crude oil from Hilcorp platform E-8 in Southwest Pass. The discharge is secured and containment boom deployed. Oil is contained within the area surrounding the facility. USCG and LDEQ were onsite. No shoreline impacts or oiled wildlife observed.

On August 21, 2020, the USCG Sector Maryland notified the NOAA SSC that a 60-foot long yacht had caught fire and partially capsized 2 miles offshore and 2 miles north of Chincoteague Island, Virginia. On 25 August, Sector Maryland requested a review of the proposed salvage plan and stakeholder coordination.

On August 20, 2020, the 40-ft. fishing vessel Phuong Mai ran aground and sank in St. Mary's Inlet, GA. The fishing gear was deployed at the time of the sinking. The USCG Sector Jacksonville requested an Incident Specific RRT call to determine the best course of action for the disposal of the marine debris and ensuring the channel to King's Bay Naval base remains unobstructed.

On August 21, 2020, an explosion and fire were reported in Corpus Christi Inner Harbor after a dredger hit an underwater pipeline (NRC#1285154). 6 non-critical injuries were reported, 4 persons unaccounted for. SAR activities are underway. The pipeline reported to contain propane has been shut-in, and pressure is being bled off. The Dredger is reported to contain a potential of 8,000 gallons diesel and an unknown amount of hydraulic fluid. As of approximately 1200 CT, dredge fire was extinguished. No sheen has been observed on the water. SSC providing support on response options, air plume modeling, trajectory in the event of release and resources at risk.

On August 19, 2020, the USCG Sec NOLA was notified of a collapsed platform and produced water tank in Main Pass 35. Lines have been shut-in. Release secured. Approximately 750 bbl of produced water were discharged. Rainbow sheen in the area. SSC provided phone support. No shoreline impact anticipated.

On August 20th, 2020, the NOAA Great Lakes SSC was notified of F/V ISLAND DUCHESS aground in the St. Lawrence river with 138 passengers and 1500 gallons of marine diesel on board, though nothing has spilled. The vessel is stable, at anchor, and not taking on water. All passengers transferred to an empty ferry vessel with USCG escort. USCG Sector Buffalo requesting trajectory and fate if release does occur. Canada and local tribes have been notified.

On August 18, 2020, a tank fire was reported at Pasadena Refining Systems, Pasadena, TX. The facility is adjacent to Buffalo Bayou. Product is unknown. Fire reported extinguished approximately 0730 CT. No waterway discharge, fire suppression water, and foam remained within secondary containment. No products requested.

On August 15, 2020, the USCG Sector Charleston notified the SSC of a 3100-gallon release of diesel from a tank at the Palm Island water treatment facility on James Island, SC. The diesel transited offsite through drainage and into nearby Dill Creek and adjacent marsh areas. The USCG is working with South Carolina Dept of Health and Environmental Control to assess and respond to the spill. Currently the spill is contained in the creek with boom and skimming operations are ongoing. NOAA is evaluating oil fate and effects and potential movement should the containment boom fail. NOAA is also assisting the USCG with initiation of sect 7 ESA and EFH emergency consultations.

On August 14t, 2020, the USCG D9 DRAT informed the NOAA SSC of a mystery sheen and product release at a storm outfall in Buffalo, NY. The product contained in an existing boom. As of today, OSRO's have been on site for sample collection and air monitoring. Spot forecast and RAR have been requested and delivered. Mitigation plans and source identification to be determined next week after product sample has been analyzed.