The U.S. Coast Guard was responding to an oil slick about three miles off the coast of Newport Beach, the agency said Saturday afternoon, Oct. 2.
The size of the oil slick was estimated by officials to be about 13 square miles. It wasn’t immediately known what caused the possible leak.
The Coast Guard said it was responding shortly after 12:15 p.m.
The Coast Guard is responding to an oil slick reported to be approximately 13 square miles in size, 3 miles off Newport Beach. More info to follow
— USCG Los Angeles (@USCGLosAngeles) October 2, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The oil slick has not affected beaches, but the Newport Beach Fire Department planned to send a rescue boat out toward the site about 4:30 p.m. to get more information on the approximate location, after the crew finishes assisting with the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach for the day, Battalion Chief Brent Jacobsen said.
OSPR responding to reports of oil in federal waters several miles offshore of Huntington Beach. Multiple reports of sheen were made to Cal OES. OSPR crew on water surveilling area. Source, volume & oil type under investigation. Cleanup contractors being mobilized. More to come.
— CDFW Spill Prevention & Response (@CalSpillWatch) October 2, 2021
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
The department said it had heard secondhand and over boat radio that people had seen an oil spill between three and seven miles off the coast, Jacobsen said. Locations have varied from off Newport Harbor to Bolsa Chica State Beach.
“We don’t have a complete picture yet,” he said.
Newport Beach city officials said they were monitoring the spill, but it was expected to dissipate “through wind, sun and wave action and is not expected to come ashore.”
The Coast Guard said it would be putting out more information.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Source: Orange County Register
Be First to Comment