Cargo Ship Leaks Unknown Amount Of Oil In LA Harbor
SAN PEDRO (CBSLA.com ) — Authorities say a large cargo ship has leaked an unknown amount of oil in the Los Angeles Harbor.
According to the Coast Guard, the leak was reported at 6:30 p.m. Sunday after a 577-foot cargo ship, Istra Ace, was reported to have been leaking heavy fuel in the Cerritos channel at Berth 198. Reports of oil were also observed throughout portions of the channel.
KNX 1070's Jon Baird reported authorities are using a yellow buoy to contain the oil sheen.
Currently, 15,600 feet of boom has been deployed around the vessel and at critical points in the channel.
A Coast Guard helicopter overflight and shoreline clean-up assessments are scheduled today to help determine the extent of the oil spill.
A safety zone has been issued in the affected area, restricting recreational and commercial vessel traffic to ensure that ships do not interfere with clean-up operations as well as avoiding possible contamination.
The responsible party has contracted with the National Response Corporation Environmental Services and other sub-contractors to assist in efforts to contain and clean the oil, the Coast Guard said.
Vessel traffic has been temporarily suspended from traveling underneath the Commodore Schulyer F. Heim Bridge due to response efforts. Automobile traffic is not affected.
The Coast Guard, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Los Angeles Port Police and fire officials are investigating the leak.
At this time, there have been no reports of oiled wildlife. Anyone who may encounter oiled wildlife should not attempt to capture the animal. Instead, call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at (877) 823-6926.
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