Incident Archive
The complete set of public incident records Tarline collects for the California coast, from four independent sources: NOAA IncidentNews case pages, raw National Response Center caller reports, satellite oil-signature detections, and California Spill Watch response notices. Search the text, narrow to one source, and page through the whole history.
Every row here is a source report, not a confirmed release. National Response Center entries in particular are self-reported by callers with no agency verification step, satellite detections are possible signatures rather than sampled oil, and a report saying nothing about a beach is not evidence that the beach was clean. Follow the link on a row and read the original record before citing it.
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Records
Showing 276 to 300 of 319 records for IncidentNews
- IncidentNews
Ballona Crk. Spill; Ballona Creek, CA
unknown · ID 7437 · 33.990, -118.412
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On the afternoon of 11OCT99, MSO Long Beach received report from the Los Angeles Fire Dept. of a possible pipeline rupture spilling crude into the Ballona Creek (inland of Marina Del Rey, CA). The discharge was estimated to be about 500 gallons. The product source was from a storm drain, rather than a pipeline, and was traced back to the parking garage of an apartment complex that maintains an oily water separator to treat natural seeps from the La Brea tarpits. The separator has been inoperable for sometime, thereby allowing the discharge of oily water into the storm drain system that leads out to Ballona Creek. The source of the leak has been secured and cleanup operations are underway. So far, about 7 miles of storm drain pipe and about 4 miles of creek are impacted. An overflight yesterday morning confirmed that no sheen or product has exited the creek. USCG district 11.
- IncidentNews
Dredge Stuyvesant; Humboldt Bay, California
unknown · ID 7430 · 40.767, -124.233
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At approximately 8:00pm PST the Dredge STUYVESANT notified the Coast Guard that they noticed a trailing sheen as the dredge was coming in to Humbolt Bay. A Coast Guard overflight confirmed oil coming from the barge and requested that the vessel head out to the sea buoy to assess the problem. The vessel was found to have a crack in the hull 10' below the water line on the starboard side. The vessel continued west, further out to sea, and is attempting to effect repairs at sea. The crack is in a tank which contained approximately 920 BBL of IFO-180 fuel oil. After sounding the tank it is estimated that approximately 2,000 gallons of fuel oil has been released. USCG district 11. Keyword: containment boom, endangered species, evaporation, shallow-water recovery, skimmers, smothering, sorbent boom, sorbent pompoms, vacuum trucks, volunteers.
- IncidentNews
M/V Gardenia Ace; Point Piedras Blancas, California
unknown · ID 7425 · 35.500, -123.000
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At approximately 1300 on August 12, 1999, the M/V Gardenia Ace suffered an engine room fire and lost power. The 573-foot car carrier was adrift for several hours 80 nm offshore of Point Piedras Blancas, California with 750,000 gallons of marine diesel onboard. Weather on-scene was winds from the north-northwest at 22 knots. A US Navy vessel attended on-scene and a commercial tug was sent to tow the vessel into San Francisco Bay. USCG district 11. Keyword: potential spill.
- IncidentNews
Spill off California Coast; Davenport, California
unknown · ID 7404 · 36.797, -122.008
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At approximately 1500, 06/05/99 an oil slick 80 feet wide by about 1/2 mile long was sighted by a vessel 30 nm off Davenport, California. Weather at the time of the incident was light and onshore winds. No responsible party was identified. A very light sheen of about 1/2 nm long and about 80 feet wide was formed. No coastal areas were impacted, nor was any material recovered. USCG district 11. Keyword: none.
- IncidentNews
Rosarito Facility; Rosarito Beach, Mexico
unknown · ID 7402 · 32.350, -117.067
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At approximately 1500, May 13, 1999, a tank vessel approximately 1700 meters offshore Rosarito Beach, Mexico noted an oil leak from the shore-based pipeline they were pumping to.. Weather at the time of the incident was winds at 10 knots from the south. An estimated 1000 barrels of a heavy fuel oil were released offshore.. The RP hired contractors to clean shorelines in Mexico. The USCG arranged for an overflight in Mexican airspace using a USCG helicopter. USCG district 11. Keyword: endangered species, evaporation.
- IncidentNews
Fish Boat Aground; Pillar Point, California
unknown · ID 7394 · 37.500, -122.500
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A 40-foot fishing vessel ran aground at Pillar Point, California at about 2130 hours on March 3, 1999. The vessel, estimated to have 500 gallons of diesel fuel onboard, started leaking at about 1700 hours on March 31. Weather at the time of the incident was northwest winds 20 to 25 knots. The RP hired a cleanup contractor to remove a small amount of sheen. This area is inshore of the boundaries of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Also, the James Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is located in the vicinity, starting at Pillar Point and extending along the coastline north about 2 miles, and offshore about 0.5 nm. There is a boat ramp and a hoist inside Pillar Point Harbor and numerous access points. Recreational boating is common in this area, and there are several recreational beaches to the south of Pillar Point Harbor. Half Moon Bay Airport is located within a mile of the Harbor. USCG district 11. Keyword: evaporation, sorbent boom, threatened specie.
- IncidentNews
M/V HollandicConfidence; Cape Mendicino, California
unknown · ID 7391 · 40.032, -124.700
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On March 4, 1999, a bulk freighter, the M/V Hollandic Confidence, was in danger of sinking 30 miles west of Cape Mendicino, California. The ship started taking on water in her forward No. 1 cargo hold when the hatch cover was ripped open in a severe storm on Wednesday, March 3. The ship was transporting 17,135 metric tons of sulfur in four holds. In her fuel tanks were approximately 169,000 gallons of IFO and 23,000 gallons of marine grade fuel oil. The vessel steamed to San Francisco Bay with two USCG vessel escorts without losing any product. The USCG sent a helicopter and two vessels on-scene and the response lasted approximately 1 week. USCG district 11. Keyword: potential spill.
- IncidentNews
Mystery Spill off Monterey Bay; Monterey Bay, CA
unknown · ID 7343 · 36.668, -122.203
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On October 7, 1998 at 1250 PDT, a mariner reported a stripe of black oil at 36 degrees 40.08 minutes N, 122 degrees 12.17 minutes W. At 1347 PDT, a USCG overflight observer reported an oil slick extending from 36 degrees 40.08 minutes N, 122 degrees 12.17 minutes W to 36 degrees 54.2 minutes N, 122 degrees 22.3 minutes W. The air crew estimated the slick was approximately 2 feet wide and contained light brown oil that looked like "chocolate pudding". A transparent sheen was observed on both sides of the brown oil. No tarballls were reported. The aircraft altitude was 75 feet. On-scene winds were from the southwest at about 5 knots. At this time, the source of the spill is unknown. USCG district 11.
- IncidentNews
Point San Pedro Mystery Spill; San Francisco, CA
unknown · ID 7340 · 37.911, -122.402
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A Coast Guard flight notified MSO San Francisco of oil offshore, source unknown. SSC was contacted today and conducted an overflight. Oil was located offshore about 10 miles northwest of Point San Pedro. There were streamers of black oil, mousse and associated sheen. The CG has decided the oil is collectable and has contracted for cleanup. An incident command has been established. First light overflights are expected tomorrow. NOAA HAZMAT will continue to provide support as needed. USCG district 11.
- IncidentNews
T/V Command; San Francisco Bay, California
unknown · ID 5012 · 37.750, -122.333
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On September 28, 1998, a USCG overflight identified an oil slick approximately 10 nm offshore San Francisco Bay northwest of Point San Pedro. The mystery slick (later identified as the result of a faulty fuel transfer aboard the T/V Command) contained streamers of black oil, mousse, and sheens. On September 29 NOAA sent a team on-scene. By October 2 very little recoverable oil or tarballs were seen during the overflight and the FOSC released the NOAA team. Tarballs had impacted Pillar Point, Pomponio Beach, Air Force Beach, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and San Gregorio Beach and cleanup crews had been dispatched to continue the cleanup. Impacts to Wildlife: Impacts to wildlife, especially birds were reported by the International Bird Rescue and Research Center. They reported that Common Murres (52 live/ 36 dead), Glaucous-winged Western Gull Hybrid (1/0), Greater White-fronted Goose (1/0), Shearwater (2/2), Western Gull (4/2) and dead were Common Loon (1), Sooty Shearwater (1), Western Grebe (1), Brown Pelican (2), Brandt's Cormorant (1), Cormorant (1), Eared Grebe (2), California Gull (1) had been recovered. USCG district 11. Keyword: none.
- IncidentNews
Anchorage #9; San Francisco, CA
unknown · ID 7338 · 37.750, -122.333
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During bunkering operations in Anchorage #9, South San Francisco Bay, the Tank Ship COMMAND discovered a fracture along the starboard fuel tank. An estimated 10 bbl IBF 380 was released. The leak was secured and the fuel transferred from that tank. MSO San Francisco has requested trajectory information. An 1650 overflight showed no recoverable oil. First light overflights will be conducted to determine the extent of any remaining oil. Investigations into the cause of the spill are continuing. NOAA SSC is on scene to provide any assistance. USCG district 17. Keyword: The location of spill was at 37? 45' 58.7" N by 122? 20' 54.4" W..
- IncidentNews
Mystery Marsh Spill; Long Beach, California
unknown · ID 7285 · 33.719, -118.066
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A release of hydrochloric acid (HCl) at unknown concentrations was reported in a wetland water-filled depression in the Bolsa Chica wetlands, near Long Beach, California. Laboratory results indicated high hydrogen (pH 2 - 3) and HCl present. The depth of the saline or sea water in the depression was reportedly 1 foot. USCG district 11. Keyword: none.
- IncidentNews
M/V Kure (grounding); 100 yards off the South Jetty, Entrance Channel, Humboldt Bay, CA
unknown · ID 7281 · 40.765, -124.246
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At about 1300, 14 March 1998, USCG Group Humboldt Bay reported to the MSO San Francisco that the M/V Kure was hard aground on a sandy shoal approximately 100 yards off the south jetty of the entrance channel to Humboldt Bay. The vessel was loaded with wood chips and carried 250,000 gallons of IFO 180 aboard. The vessel tanks were sounded, and no pollution was reported at the time of the grounding. The MSO notified the NOAA SSC to be on stand-by to come on-scene in the event oil was released. Assist tugs were arranged, and the vessel was refloated with out incident the next day. USCG district 11. Keyword: potential spill.
- IncidentNews
Tarballs 98; Bodega Bay, CA
unknown · ID 7259 · 38.294, -123.067
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At about 1450, Saturday, 17 January, MSO San Francisco was notified of stranding tarballs and oiled wildlife on the beaches of Drakes Estero. Teams found tarballs, oiled vegetation and scattered tar patties along the beach at the water line. Wildlife teams began collecting oiled live and dead birds. A Unified Command was established and the Coast Guard hired cleanup contractors to remove the oiled debris. To date, about 120 lbs of tar and solid waste has been collected. Several overflights have been conducted and no floating oil has been found. Assessments of other Point Reyes area beaches have been made and no new oiling was found. As of yesterday, a total of 64 oiled birds have been collected for cleaning and 115 have been found dead. Rescue efforts will continue as impacts to wildlife remain and further assessment are planned. USCG district 11.
- IncidentNews
Mystery Spill, Point Reyes; Point Reyes, CA
unknown · ID 7248 · 38.026, -122.953
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Mystery Spill Drakes Bay, CA Initial Report: On Sunday November 16, MSO San Francisco received reports from Point Reyes National Seashore of tarballs and oiled birds on Drakes Beach. An MSO team was dispatched and found trace amounts of dime sized tarballs along the beach. Personnel from the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary began collecting oiled live birds and dead birds. The Coast Guard conducted an overflight, but did not find any floating oil. By Monday, there were over 50 birds found dead, and an estimated 200 birds observed oiled in an area extending out to the Farallone Islands and south to Ocean Beach. Among the birds affected were 7 Snowy Plovers and one Brown Pelican, both endangered species. The International Bird Rescue and Research Center in Berkeley CA began cleaning and rehabilitating oiled birds. Assessment teams continued to find dime to half dollar sized tarballs along the shoreline and in the high tide debris line from Drakes Beach to Limantour Beach. On Tuesday the SSC conducted an overflight and found no floating oil. Clean up teams began removing oiled debris. In addition to oiled birds, there was a report of nine oiled (estimated 2% coverage) Elephant Seals observed near Chimney Rock. Shoreline assessment, wildlife collection, cleaning and rehabilitation continued. On Wednesday, the assessment teams found no new oiling. The cleanup crews finished cleaning the impacted areas. Wildlife teams had collected a total of 78 oiled birds for cleaning, and found 194 birds dead. Teams continued assessment of beaches and wildlife collection and observations. Thursday continued with shore assessments, wildlife collections and observations. There was no further shore impacts and sign off of some areas was started. However late in the day, an additional 50 freshly oiled birds were reported and there were concerns about additional floating oil. Today, the SSC conducted another overflight concentrating in an area between the Farallone Islands, Point Reyes and Bolinas Point. Some areas of oil were found. The areas consisted primarily of trace amounts of silver sheens and some scattered tarballs with sheen in convergence lines. A larger area of sheen, tarballs, and tar patties was found south of the area about 20 east of San Pedro Point. In the Drakes Bay area, teams continued to survey beach areas, and conduct wildlife collections and observations. Bird totals as of today are: 92 oiled birds collected for cleaning and rehabilitation and 278 birds found dead. The SSC will conduct an overflight tomorrow and remains on call to assist as needed. USCG district 5.
- IncidentNews
Mystery Tarballs, Drakes Bay; Point Reyes, California
unknown · ID 7246 · 38.026, -122.953
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On November 16, 1997, MSO San Francisco received reports of tarballs and oiled birds on Drakes Beach from the Point Reyes National Seashore. An MSO team was dispatched and found trace amounts of dime-sized tarballs along the beach. Personnel from the Point Reyes National Seashore and the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary began collecting oiled live and dead birds. The Oiled Wildlife Care Network and International Bird Rescue and Research Center in Berkeley, California began cleaning and rehabilitating oiled birds. USCG district 11. Keyword: International Bird Rescue and Research Center.
- IncidentNews
M/V Kure; Humboldt Bay, California.
unknown · ID 7239 · 40.817, -124.167
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At about 0420 on November 5, 1997, the M/V Kure, a 639-foot Panamanian-flagged cargo carrier transporting wood chips, was shifting at the Louisiana Pacific Dock where she was berthed and allided with pilings. The allision punched a 12-inch hole about 10-feet above the waterline and, in the time required to plug the hole, approximately 4537 gallons of IFO 180 had discharged into Humboldt Bay. At the time of the incident, there were cloudy skies and winds reported light and variable. USCG district 11. Keyword: boom, Clean Bay inc., containment boom, International Bird Rescue, warm- or hot-water washing.
- IncidentNews
Mystery Spill/Monterey Bird Incident; Santa Cruz, California
unknown · ID 7235 · 36.935, -121.905
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On October 24, 1997, the USCG received reports of an unknown substance washing ashore at Sunset Beach in Soquel Cove, Monterey Bay; they also began receiving reports of bird impacts. The beach was initially evacuated and the Santa Cruz HAZMAT Team investigated the substance. It was determined to be a non-toxic, non-petroleum oil, however a definitive identification was never made. Laboratory reports ranged from hydrogenated vegetable oil, emulsified sardine oil, to an animal, vegetable, or fish by-product. USCG district 11. Keyword: none.
- IncidentNews
Platform Irene; Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
unknown · ID 7229 · 34.650, -120.650
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At approximately 2330 on September 9, 1997, Platform Irene, offshore near Point Arguello, California, reported a spill from its 20-inch pipeline. This pipeline connects the platform to the shoreline terminal at Point Arguello. Platform Irene is operated by the Torch Operating Company for Nueva Energy (Houston). The release was caused by a fracture in a weld near a flange at a depth of about 33 fathoms. The amount released was originally reported as 2,900 barrels, which was the potential amount in the pipeline at the time the weld broke. This amount was revised after overflights and other observations were conducted to between 200 and 500 barrels. The oil was Monterey crude mixed with the drilling and pumping waters. Skimming vessels from the Clean Seas Cooperative, MSRC and from the Fisherman's Oilspill Response Team were contracted for on-water collection. The RP also alerted dispersant aircraft, but they were not used. The RP assumed the major role in the response, with Federal agencies providing assistance and oversight. Other federal participation included, USFWS for bird impacts, NOAA National Marine Santuaries provided air and on-water observation platforms, and Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFB), the landowners of the impacted areas. USCG district 11. Keyword: Clean Seas Cooperative.
- IncidentNews
Barge Bell 157; San Pablo Bay, California
unknown · ID 7209 · 38.017, -122.350
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On June 10, 1997, the tug William Tindale was pushing the hopper barge Bell 157 when it overturned and sank between buoys 8 and 10, just outside the channel in San Pablo Bay, California. The barge was loaded with sand, but there were also 600 gallons of diesel fuel, 450 gallons of hydraulic oil, 80 gallons of lube oil, and various 55-gallon drums onboard. Two personnel onboard drowned when the barge capsized. Containment and salvage operations were initiated. The area around the barge was boomed and divers looked for the missing personnel. The barge was eventually righted, the bodies recovered, and the oils pumped off. USCG district 11. Keyword: none.
- IncidentNews
M/V Cape Mohican; San Francisco, California
unknown · ID 5004 · 37.763, -122.382
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At about 1530, October 28, 1996, the M/V Cape Mohican, a 725-foot Maritime Administration (MORAD) vessel, discharged an estimated 1,950 barrels (about 81,000 gallons) of IFO 180. The discharge occurred while the vessel was in Drydock #2 of the San Francisco Drydock Shipyard at pier 70, San Francisco Bay. Most of the oil was retained within the drydock, with an estimated 200 barrels (about 8,000 gallons) released into the waters of San Francisco Bay. The discharge is believed to have resulted from transfer from a stabilization tank, where an open valve discharged stored fuel through a seachest. Weather at the time of release was winds south-southwest at about 14 knots and getting dark. The weather changed soon after, with winds increasing up to 25-knot gusts and heavy rain. USCG district 11. Keyword: containment boom.
- IncidentNews
Heritage Platform (Exxon); Santa Barbara, California
unknown · ID 7138 · 34.350, -120.280
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On May 1, 1996, as the platform Heritage restarted operations, oil was forced through the platform's gas-flame exhaust pipe. Some product was ignited as it was released but did not continue burning on the open seas. Weather was foggy with winds east-southeast at 10 to 12 knots, seas 1 to 2 feet with swells 4 to 6 feet. Platform personnel deployed containment boom and secured the source. Clean Seas was contacted. They brought skimming vessels on-scene and began open-water cleanup operations. When visibility allowed, Exxon and the USCG conducted overflights and estimated the volume of spilled material was between 50 and 200 barrels. Clean Seas collected larger concentrations of oil with skimmers and towed booms. During night operations, oil was corralled in booms and skimmed. The cause of this incident is being investigated by MMS and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary was notified. This response lasted through the day with minimal night operations and, on the first overflight May 3, no oil could be found. USCG district 11. Keyword: Clean Seas.
- IncidentNews
Asylum Slough Oil Spill; Napa, California
unknown · ID 7137 · 38.251, -122.286
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On April 3, 1996, the 90-foot derelict F/V Maraha sank during a heavy rain storm in Asylum Slough located on the Napa River near Napa, California. Diesel fuel and oil from on-board tanks and engines discharged into the water. In addition, about 16 drums and smaller containers floated from the vessel and washed ashore. About 200 containers of unknown contents were discovered during a vessel inspection. There was a threat of release of the hazardous materials identified onboard. They were: p 1,375 gallons of liquid paint waste, p 770 gallons of liquid waste paint related materials, p 200 pounds of sodium hydroxide solid, p 115 gallons of sodium hydroxide liquid, and p 25 gallons of liquid chromic acid. USCG district 11.
- IncidentNews
U.S. Navy Pipeline; San Diego, California
unknown · ID 7133 · 32.655, -117.223
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On March 7, 1996, MSO San Diego was notified of an oil sheen covering the Southwestern Yacht Club. The discharge had come from a U.S. Navy (USN) underground pipeline carrying JP-5 jet fuel at the Point Loma Fuel Pier. The oil was coming from the northwestern shoreline of Shelter Island Yacht Basin, near the San On March 7, 1996, MSO San Diego was notified of an oil sheen covering the Southwestern Yacht Club. The discharge had come from a U.S. Navy (USN) underground pipeline carrying JP-5 jet fuel at the Point Loma Fuel Pier. The oil was coming from the northwestern shoreline of Shelter Island Yacht Basin, near the San Diego Yacht Club. Weather at the time was fair, mostly cloudy, with winds at about four knots, calm seas, air temperature 68?, and water temperature 58?. The first responders boomed the area and used sorbents to absorb the oil. The USN response contractor used vacuum trucks and two skimmers for cleanup. The CDFG, Office of Oil Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), and Sea World Wildlife Recovery personnel were on-scene to clean oiled birds. There were about 30 oiled birds, mostly duck varieties, found; 10 birds died. The USN's contractors excavated contaminated soil and repaired the pipeline. USCG district 11.
- IncidentNews
El Cajon Train Derailment; Cajon Junction, California
unknown · ID 7128 · 34.313, -117.478
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On February 1, 1996, a runaway Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train, 4 locomotives and 49 cars, derailed on the south main track near the intersection of interstates I-15 and 138 in Cajon Junction, California. The train was carrying 178,000 pounds butyl acrylate, 158,000 pounds trimethyl phosphite, 191,000 pounds methyl ethyl ketone, 193,000 pounds denatured alcohol, one train car of petroleum distillates, and one train car of glycol. Also onboard were fiberboard, tires, fuel oil, lubrication oil, and diesel oil. Weather at the time was clear and calm. USCG district 11.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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