Fuel spills after OSV, tug collide near Port Arthur

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

(HOUSTON) — The Coast Guard is responding to an oil spill near Port Arthur, Texas, on Friday.

Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watch standers received a report of a collision involving the offshore supply vessel Cheramie Botruc 22 and tug Mariya Moran near the entrance to Sabine Pass on Thursday morning. 

Personnel from Coast Guard Station Sabine, Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas General Land Office, Oil Spill Removal Organization, OMI Environmental Solutions and Environmental Safety and Health were launched to the scene and confirmed that one of the vessel's fuel tanks had been impacted.

An estimate of 3,000 gallons of diesel fuel was spilled.

The source of the release has been secured and the spill has been contained. Boom and sorbent material have been placed around the vessel while it remains anchored outside of the channel.

The cause of the collision is under investigation. No injuries were reported.

The Coast Guard and Texas General Land Office personnel will continue to monitor recovery efforts.

Editor's note: The Coast Guard did not identify the vessel that was breached, but according to media reports and trackline data, it is Cheramie Botruc 22.

By Professional Mariner Staff