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:
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.
]]>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:
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.
]]>Update 8: COLLISION AND OIL SPILL IN PORT ARTHUR, TX SHIPPING CHANNEL
1/27/2010 Time: 1200
Situation:
Mid-day update to the unified response to the collision and oil spill from the tankship “Eagle Otome.” 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.
The waterway closure remains in effect, with Unified Command Staff working diligently to develop a plan and time frame to re-open. Limited vessel traffic has begun to transit the river this morning.
One cargo vessel is currently transiting the waterway en route to the Port of Beaumont. This test run is a major accomplishment just 96 hours following the initial incident. Additionally, the M/V Eagle Otome is offloading 500,000 gallons of essential cargo at the Sun Oil Terminal in Nederland, TX..
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.
Photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/portarthuroilspill
Contact numbers for the Unified Incident Command are as follows:
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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Update 10: COLLISION AND OIL SPILL IN PORT ARTHUR, TX SHIPPING CHANNEL
1/29/2010 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 81 oil skimmers, 70 oil vacuum vehicles, 135,545 feet of containment boom and over 600 personnel remain engaged in clean-up operations.
Preparations and precautions were taken for the predicted wind shift and severe weather. At this time, Operations are suspended due to the severe weather.
Limited vessel traffic began to transit the river Wednesday morning with select transits continuing through Thursday evening. At this time, 45 vessels have transited the zone.
Action:
The Eagle Otome completed the offload of the remaining 570,000 barrels of oil from the ship's undamaged cargo tanks and was safely moved to the Sun Anchorage.
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
The second press brief was held yesterday at the Ramada Inn. The Joint Information Center continues to receive local calls the daily amount has reduced significantly.
Photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/portarthuroilspill
Contact numbers for the Unified Incident Command are as follows:
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.
]]>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:
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.
]]>Update 12 and Final: COLLISION AND OIL SPILL IN PORT ARTHUR, TX SHIPPING CHANNEL
1/31/2010 Time: 1030
Situation:
The unified response to the collision and oil spill from the tankship “Eagle Otome” continues. To date, more than 9,600 barrels of oil/water mixture has been recovered, evaporated or dispersed naturally of the 11,000 barrels spilled. Current response assets include 88 oil skimmers, 6 oil vacuum vehicles and 114,545 feet of containment boom. As the majority of the on-water oil has been recovered, the operation will begin to focus on shoreline clean-up and restoration.
Vessel traffic and facility numbers have returned to pre-incident status. Vessel Traffic Service is managing traffic. Demobilization of select personnel and equipment has begun.
Action:
Shoreline Clean-up Assessment has begun in preparations for shoreline clean-up. Protective boom remains in sensitive areas.
The rehabilitation of oiled wildlife continues. Six birds are currently being monitored, one has been released and four deceased.
Public Affairs:
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:
Further questions regarding this incident may be directed to Mr. Jeremy Hansen, Liaison Officer (409)284-5775.
]]>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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