1/26/2010: Port Arthur Oil Spill Update

Update 6: COLLISION AND OIL SPILL IN PORT ARTHUR, TX SHIPPING CHANNEL

1/26/2010 Time: 0930

Situation:

The unified response to Port Arthur, TX collision and oil spill “Eagle Otome” continues. To date, 5,239 barrels of crude oil have been recovered, evaporated or dispersed naturally of the 11,000 barrels spilled. Current response assets include 27 oil skimmers, 23 oil vacuum vehicles, 59,800 feet of containment boom and over 550 personnel employed.

Over flights indicate the oil slick has spread northwest, with minor penetration through the northern containment boom. Facilities south of the spill have also reported the presence of oily waste.

Numerous vessels remain unable to transit due to the continued waterway closure. This includes 14 vessels awaiting entry, 12 vessels awaiting departure and 70 additional vessels in queue. The waterway closure remains in effect, with Unified Command Staff working diligently to develop a plan and time frame to re-open.

Action:

A combined State/contractor rapid assessment group is being developed to plan shore decontamination.

Volunteers from Amateur Radio Emergency Services are providing communications for Air Operations and spotting.

Containment boom, vacuum, and skimming operations continue within the affected area.

The rehabilitation of oiled wildlife continues. Three birds are currently being cleaned.

Lightering operations to remove cargo from the damaged cargo and ballast tank of the Eagle Otome were completed today. Preparations are being made to move the Eagle Otome from its current location adjacent to the Port of Port Arthur to a dock on the Neches River to discharge the remainder of its cargo.

Public Affairs:

Several inquiries from affected facilities along the Sabine-Neches Waterway were received today. Industry points of contact were urged to communicate their concerns through the daily conference call coordinated by the Sabine-Neches Port Coordination Team .

Seventy -one media inquiries and twenty-five interviews were conducted by the US Coast Guard Public Affairs detachment yesterday. The Public Affairs Detachment is located within the Unified Command Joint Information Center.

Contact numbers for the Unified Incident Command are as follows:

Joint Information Center/Public Affairs: (713) 578-3080 or (832) 293-1293
Oiled Wildlife Hotline: (888) 709-9798

Further questions regarding this incident may be directed to Mr. Jeremy Hansen, Liaison Officer (409)284-5775, or LTJG Erin Chlum, Assistant Liaison Officer (337)912-2073.

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