01/27/2010: Port Arthur Oil Spill Update

Update 7: COLLISION AND OIL SPILL IN PORT ARTHUR, TX SHIPPING CHANNEL

1/27/2010 Time: 0845

Situation:

The unified response to the collision and oil spill from the tankship “Eagle Otome” continues. To date, 6,343 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, 61,850 feet of containment boom and over 550 personnel employed.

Over flights indicate the oil slick has spread due to shifting winds and strong currents spreading some oil into Keith Lake. Preparations have begun for a predicted wind shift and severe weather on Thursday evening/Friday morning.

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

Action:

The Eagle Otome was cleaned and moved today 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. The Kirby barges have been lightered and are being cleaned in preparation for movement as soon as operations permit

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

A combined State/contractor rapid assessment team is being created for shore decontamination.

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

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

Public Affairs:

Industry points of contact are urged to communicate their concerns through the daily conference call coordinated by the Sabine-Neches Port Coordination Team.

Twenty-four media inquiries and seven interviews were conducted by the US Coast Guard Public Affairs detachment yesterday.

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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