Bulk carrier leaks fuel after hitting Oregon pier

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(WARRENTON, Ore.) — The Coast Guard and other local agency personnel are responding to a diesel fuel spill from a Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier at Pier 1 in Astoria on Friday morning.

Incident Management Division investigators from Coast Guard Sector Columbia River are on scene with the 565-foot vessel Global Gold and the pier has been surrounded by protective boom.

"Responders are on scene to monitor and address the situation," said Lt. Cmdr. John Titchen, chief of the Incident Management Division at Sector Columbia River. "The source has been secured and we are working diligently with agencies, the shipping agent and Clean Rivers Cooperative to clean up the spill."

Sector Columbia River watch standers received the initial report from a facility security officer at approximately 12:50 a.m. The vessel had reportedly hit the pier while pulling in, sustained damage and was leaking diesel oil from a 4-foot gash in the hull on the port side above the waterline.

By Professional Mariner Staff