Delaware River Oil Spill Update

PHILADELPHIA– The Athos I, a 750-foot Cyprus flagged vessel, lost an estimated 30,000 gallons of heavy crude oil as it was enroute to the Citgo Facility in Paulsboro, N.J. Friday night. Two tugs were helping the tanker move to the facilities pier when it listed eight degrees to the left and lost power.

The source of the loss was secured and authorities were notified. Coast Guard Personnel from Marine Safety Office-Group Philadelphia as well as personnel and resources from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, New Jersey State Police, representatives from the ship’s owner and Citgo are all cooperating to ensure the clean-up of the spill as well as minimizing any impact to the environment.

Approximately two miles of protective boom has been set up around the vessel and 12 neighboring creeks as a preventive measure to contain further impact to the river and wildlife. Additional protective boom will be set up to points north and south of the areas as oil continues to move.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife reported 300 birds affected by the oil and another 50 dead. People who see affected wildlife should call the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at 215-365-1558.

“Any amount of oil in our waterways is a serious matter.” said Captain Jonathan Sarubbi, Captain of the Port of Philadelphia.” We are committed to cleaning up the oil and and ensuring the Delaware River is open to commerce.”

Boats and helicopters from the Coast Guard as well as New Jersey State Police are assessing the quantity and impact of the oil spill, which stretches from the Tacony Palmyra Bridge to the Tinicum Island. The river is closed to all commercial and pleasure craft from the Tacony Palmyra Bridge to the Commodore Barry Bridge.

Contracted for clean-up operations are The O’Brien’s Group, Miller Environmental, Delaware River and Bay Co-Op and Clean Ventures. There are currently 110 people and 10 skimming boats actively involved with the clean-up, which began last night and is ongoing.

The Coast Guard urges people that see affected wildlife to call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife at 215-365-1558. To report damage done to personal property as a result of the spill, people should call 856-486-0800.

The cause of the spill is an ongoing investigation by MSO Philadelphia.

Delaware River Oil Spill Update

PHILADELPHIA– The Athos I, a 750-foot Cyprus flagged vessel, lost an estimated 30,000 gallons of heavy crude oil as it was enroute to the Citgo Facility in Paulsboro, N.J. Friday night. Two tugs were helping the tanker move to the facilities pier when it listed eight degrees to the left and lost power.

The source of the loss was secured and authorities were notified. Coast Guard Personnel from Marine Safety Office-Group Philadelphia as well as personnel and resources from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, New Jersey State Police, representatives from the ship’s owner and Citgo are all cooperating to ensure the clean-up of the spill as well as minimizing any impact to the environment.

Approximately two miles of protective boom has been set up around the vessel and 12 neighboring creeks as a preventive measure to contain further impact to the river and wildlife. Additional protective boom will be set up to points north and south of the areas as oil continues to move.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife reported 300 birds affected by the oil and another 50 dead. People who see affected wildlife should call the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at 215-365-1558.

“Any amount of oil in our waterways is a serious matter.” said Captain Jonathan Sarubbi, Captain of the Port of Philadelphia.” We are committed to cleaning up the oil and and ensuring the Delaware River is open to commerce.”

Boats and helicopters from the Coast Guard as well as New Jersey State Police are assessing the quantity and impact of the oil spill, which stretches from the Tacony Palmyra Bridge to the Tinicum Island. The river is closed to all commercial and pleasure craft from the Tacony Palmyra Bridge to the Commodore Barry Bridge.

Contracted for clean-up operations are The O’Brien’s Group, Miller Environmental, Delaware River and Bay Co-Op and Clean Ventures. There are currently 110 people and 10 skimming boats actively involved with the clean-up, which began last night and is ongoing.

The Coast Guard urges people that see affected wildlife to call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife at 215-365-1558. To report damage done to personal property as a result of the spill, people should call 856-486-0800.

The cause of the spill is an ongoing investigation by MSO Philadelphia.