01/30/2010: Port Arthur spill update

Update 11: COLLISION AND OIL SPILL IN PORT ARTHUR, TX SHIPPING CHANNEL
1/30/2010 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 112 oil skimmers, 70 oil vacuum vehicles, 164,730 feet of containment boom and personnel engaged in clean-up operations has reduced to 200.

Operations were suspended yesterday morning due to the severe weather. Once deemed safe for responders operations resumed.

Vessel traffic continues to transit the Intracoastal Waterway and the Neches River. Vessel Traffic Service is managing traffic with restrictions. The vessel queue has decreased significantly. At this time, 2 vessels await entry, 3 await departure and 62 tows await transit.

Action:

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

The rehabilitation of oiled wildlife continues. Six 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 and Port Arthur Vessel Traffic Service (409)719-5070

A Port Coordination Team meeting will be held for industry stakeholders on Monday 01 February at 1:00pm at Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur.

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: 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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