The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(PHILADELPHIA) — The Coast Guard is responding today to two derelict tugboats that sank and are leaking oil in the Schuylkill River here.
Personnel from Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay along with other local and state agencies are responding as a result of the two sunken tugboats, the Carol Wales and another unidentified tugboat.
The two tugboats were tied to the pier at the edge of the Schuylkill River in the vicinity of the Girard Point Bridge when they sank.
Contractors are on scene and have contained the site of the spill.
The Coast Guard has established a safety zone in the area and urges mariners to use caution when transiting the river.
There has been no reported impact to wildlife.
The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
Click here to view Coast Guard video of the incident.
