01/28/2010: Port Arthur Oil Spill Update

Update 9: COLLISION AND OIL SPILL IN PORT ARTHUR, TX SHIPPING CHANNEL

1/28/2010 Time: 0930

Situation:

The unified response to the collision and oil spill from the tankship “Eagle Otome” continues. To date, 6,590 barrels of crude oil have been recovered, evaporated or dispersed naturally of the 11,000 barrels spilled. Current response assets include 63 oil skimmers, 70 oil vacuum vehicles, 65,515 feet of containment boom and over 600 personnel remain engaged in clean-up operations.

Preparations and pre-cautions continue for a predicted wind shift and severe weather on Thursday evening/Friday morning.

Limited vessel traffic began to transit the river yesterday morning. At this time, 17 vessels await entry, 3 await departure and 90 tows in the area await transit.

Action:

The Eagle Otome completed the transit to the Sun Oil Terminal in Nederland, TX and continues offloading the remaining 570,000 barrels of oil from the ship's undamaged cargo tanks. The Gull Arrow safely shifted berths yesterday at the Port of Port Arthur.

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

The rehabilitation of oiled wildlife continues. Four birds are currently being monitored, one has been released and two deceased.

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.

A press brief is scheduled for 1500 today at the Ramada Inn to discuss the progress of the oil spill recovery.

Photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/portarthuroilspill

Contact numbers for the Unified Incident Command are as follows:

Joint Information Center/Public Affairs: 409-812-0261

Operations: 409-497-9910

Situation Unit: 409-497-9060

Resource Unit: 409-497-9041

Oiled Wildlife Hotline: 888-709-9787

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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