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 51 to 75 of 319 records for IncidentNews
- IncidentNews
Tanker Truck Lube Oil Release; Port Hueneme, CA
oil · ID 10729 · 34.152, -119.207
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On 30-JAN-2024, a tanker truck hose burst while transferring lubricating oil to a ship docked at the Port Hueneme Navy Yard. This caused a discharge of roughly 30 gallons of lube oil onto the ground, of which 20 gallons reportedly entered the water. A cleanup contractor has been hired and containment boom and sorbent materials have been deployed. An informal request for use of surface washing agent (SWA) was made for the purpose of de-contaminating the ship’s hull prior to departure. USCG and California’s Office of Spill Prevention & Response (OSPR) requested NOAA SSC input and an incident-specific RRT request for SWA use is anticipated.
- IncidentNews
Gray whale carcass; Solana Beach, CA
other · ID 10728 · 32.990, -117.278
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On 30-JAN-2024, the NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 35-foot-long gray whale carcass on Solano Beach, CA. The carcass will likely be towed offshore within 24 hours before high winds move into the area. NMFS requested a carcass drift estimate to aid in determining how far offshore to tow the carcass so it does not re-beach in the upcoming days.
- IncidentNews
Stormwater Outfall Oil Discharge; Dominguez Channel, Long Beach, CA
oil · ID 10720 · 33.774, -118.248
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The morning of 21-JAN-2024, USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC regarding an inland spill of roughly 1,200 gallons crude oil/water mixture. This inland spill resulted in oil entering a stormwater drain which discharged to the mouth of Dominguez Channel (in the innermost portions of the Port of Long Beach). Oil sheens have been observed in the water, but containment boom appears to be effective. The USCG requested a trajectory and possible threats to the Cabrillo Wetlands (4+ miles down channel).
- IncidentNews
Fin Whale Carcass on Pacific Beach; San Diego, CA
other · ID 10706 · 32.795, -117.258
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On December 10, 2023, the NOAA NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 50-foot-long fin whale carcass on Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA. NMFS requested a carcass drift estimate to aid in determining how far offshore to tow the carcass so it does not re-beach in the upcoming days.
- IncidentNews
Tug MAZAPETA sunk; Little Potato Slough, Stockton, CA
oil · ID 10669 · 38.057, -121.501
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On the afternoon of 26-SEP-2023, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC for oil fate/transport support for an ongoing sunken vessel case in the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta. On 04-SEP, the Tug MAZAPETA sank to the bottom (partially submerged) in Little Potato Slough, a tributary of the Stockton Deep Water Channel. The owner estimated 1,000 gallons diesel and 600 gallons engine oil were on-board at the time of sinking. Sector San Francisco requested oil fate/transport information to assist in discussions with the City of Stockton and other key stakeholders
- IncidentNews
53-foot Motor Yacht Adrift Off Big Sur, CA
oil · ID 10658 · 36.028, -121.867
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Late Sunday night (27-AUG-2023), USCG Sector San Francisco contacted ERD’s Hazmat Duty Officer for notification purposes only of the 53’ Motor Yacht SERENITY then adrift. The SERENITY was the subject of a USCG search & rescue operation Sunday evening with an estimated 800 gallons diesel on-board. The incident occurred during heavy weather conditions (winds exceeding 20 knots from the NW and building to well over 30 knots) and all persons on board (POBs) were rescued. ERD provided support for possible drift estimates of the vessel to inform the vessel owner’s aerial search planned for Friday (01-SEP), in the event it is still afloat.
- IncidentNews
43-Foot Vessel Sunk near Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Huntington Beach, CA
oil · ID 10652 · 33.682, -118.042
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The evening of 17-AUG-2023, USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC to request support for a 43’ vessel sunk roughly 300 yds outside the entrance to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Huntington Beach, CA. At the time, the vessel was reportedly carrying 300 gallons diesel and it was not clear whether it was actively sheening or not. USCG requested trajectory support in the event of a catastrophic release overnight or during the morning hours.
- IncidentNews
Twin Otter Airplane Crash, 35 Miles West of Pacifica, CA
oil · ID 10611 · 37.519, -123.118
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On the afternoon of 20-MAY-2023, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to discuss the pollution potential of a crashed Twin Otter aircraft that crashed roughly 40 miles WSW of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with an estimated 1,000 gallons of Jet A fuel on board. Search & rescue operations are underway and USCG requested fuel fate information to consider potential pollution threats.
- IncidentNews
Partially Submerged Vessel off the Port of Los Angeles, CA
oil · ID 10582 · 33.665, -118.287
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On March 14, 2023, the USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC about a partially submerged 30-40’ vessel that is currently the subject of a USCG search & rescue operation. The vessel is currently adrift roughly 3.3 NM Southwest of the Angeles Gate entrance to the Port of Los Angeles. A ½ mile sheen has been observed around the vessel, but the vessel name, type, fuel type, and fuel capacity are unknown at this time. USCG requested trajectory support for an estimated maximum potential of 800 gallons of diesel fuel.
- IncidentNews
Fishing Vessel Sunk off Redondo Beach, CA
oil · ID 10567 · 33.846, -118.415
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On 09-FEB-2023, USCG Sector LA/LB contacted their NOAA SSC to request trajectory support for the 43’ sunken F/V MATADOR off Redondo Beach, CA. The vessel reportedly sank at 0200 hrs on 08-FEB, 1/3 mile offshore, in 170’ of water, with an estimated 50 gallons diesel on-board (max potential 150 gallons).
- IncidentNews
Pleasure Craft Adrift and Sinking, Southwest of Half Moon Bay, CA
oil · ID 10565 · 37.392, -122.540
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On 04-FEB-2023, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC about the 70' yacht SERENITY believed to be carrying 600-700 gallons fuel on board when it began taking on water. People were safely removed from the vessel during a USCG search & rescue (SAR) operation. Sector SF IMD requested a vessel drift estimate.
- IncidentNews
Sheen Report at Summerland Beach, Summerland, CA
oil · ID 10554 · 34.419, -119.604
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On January 6, 2023, the USCG Marine Safety Detachment Santa Barbara contacted their NOAA SSC to request oil fate information for a sheen report on Summerland Beach from earlier in the day. Now an inactive oil field in Santa Barbara County, it is among the most active areas of natural oil seeps in the world with many abandoned and decommissioned oil wells from as early as the 1890s. Initial oil movement information was provided via telephone, though a more specific request for trajectory support is anticipated after site inspections the morning of 07-JAN-2023.
- IncidentNews
Fishing Vessel Grounded in Chinese Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA
oil · ID 10544 · 34.033, -119.607
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On December 15, 2022, the USCG Marine Safety Detachment (MSD) Santa Barbara contacted their NOAA SSC to request trajectory support for the 59’ F/V SPERANZA MARIE grounded in Chinese Harbor, Santa Cruz Island, CA. The vessel reportedly ran aground in the early morning hours with 6 persons on board who were rescued without injury. At the time, crewmembers reported a strong smell of diesel. The vessel may have been carrying roughly 1,000 gallons of diesel at the time, though the maximum capacity is reportedly 4,000 gallons (total across 4 separate tanks). The grounding location is along the shores of the Channel Islands National Park (NPS) and within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA). USCG requested trajectory support as assets are mobilized to the scene.
- IncidentNews
Privately-Owned, De-Commissioned Coast Guard Buoy Tender Grounded, Long Beach, CA
oil · ID 10543 · 33.741, -118.235
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Early afternoon of 11-DEC-2022, USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC to discuss the salvage of the grounded vessel FEARLESS KINGSTOWN. The vessel is a privately-owned, de-commissioned USCG buoy tender that is grounded at roughly 33° 44.4'N, 118° 14.1'W. It is not leaking and is sitting port-side to the riprap. A starboard-side fuel tank has a maximum potential of 4,500 gallons diesel fuel. The USCG requested oil fate & transport info for a hypothetical release in the event something happens during vessel removal operations.
- IncidentNews
70’ Fishing Vessel Sunk, Fish Harbor, San Pedro, CA
oil · ID 10525 · 33.735, -118.265
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During the evening of 24-OCT-2022, USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC to request trajectory support for a 70’ wood fishing vessel that sank within the Port of Los Angeles. The vessel has been actively sheening since at least 1600 hrs, reportedly has an 830 gallon max potential of diesel on board. As the USCG attempts to boom the area around the vessel, they requested a trajectory estimate through sunrise tomorrow to help plan out a first light assessment of the area.
- IncidentNews
Anomaly Detected by Satellite West of Point Loma, San Diego, CA
oil · ID 10520 · 32.731, -117.987
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On September 19, 2002, the USCG Sector San Diego contacted their NOAA SSC to request a trajectory estimate for the NESDIS Marine Pollution Surveillance Report (MPSR) issued at 2340 hrs UTC, 37 NM (87 KM) west of Point Loma. USCG requested overflight search areas for near sunset today and sunrise tomorrow.
- IncidentNews
40-foot Vessel Sunk, Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island, CA
oil · ID 10514 · 33.443, -118.495
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On September 3, 2022, USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach contacted the NOAA SSC to request a hypothetical "what if" trajectory for a 40’ vessel that had sunk at a mooring ball in Isthmus Cove at Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island. The P/C DAS PUG BOOT is not currently sheening and is apparently sitting on the bottom in roughly 45’ of water.
- IncidentNews
"Red Tide" algae bloom, San Francisco Bay, CA
other · ID 10512 · 37.810, -122.357
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On August 29, 2022, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted the NOAA SSC regarding an algae bloom in San Francisco Bay that has recently been attracting media attention. The current bloom that has been developing for a few weeks has caused fish kills and rust/tea colored water and Sector has seen an increase in reports from the public concerned about discolored water. The algae has been identified as a Heterosigma species, commonly known to cause “red tides”. USCG requested amplifying information on this recent bloom as they continue to respond to reports from the public and assess their response posture.
- IncidentNews
Sunken pleasure craft, Whites Landing, Santa Catalina Island, CA
oil · ID 10507 · 33.391, -118.367
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On August 14, 2022, USCG Sector LA/LB contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a grounded/sunken pleasure craft (CF-3129KD) off Whites Landing, north of Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, CA. The vessel had been taking on water on 13-AUG-2022 and was being towed when she grounded. She was reportedly carrying 30 gallons of gasoline at the time, though the max potential was 100 gallons. USCG requested oil fate information.
- IncidentNews
Potential Diesel Spill from Tank Barge under Tow offshore Eureka, CA
oil · ID 10479 · 40.943, -124.509
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On the evening of 20-JUN-2022, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to discuss a potential diesel spill from the tank barge MONTEREY towed by the Tug APACHE. Reportedly, the aft portion of the MONTEREY contacted the entrance channel jetty as the tug & barge were departing Humboldt Bay, CA for Coos Bay, OR. The barge is carrying 40,000 bbls of diesel, and is holding station roughly 14NM NW of the Eureka entrance buoy with no indications of a release at this time. As local weather deteriorates, re-entering Humboldt Bay may pose some risk, so USCG is requesting fate & trajectory information to support COTP decision regarding tug & barge transit options.
- IncidentNews
Possible Sheen Report off San Diego, CA
oil · ID 10461 · 32.705, -117.482
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On May 20, 2022, the USCG Sector San Diego contacted their NOAA SSC about a possible sheen report based on a satellite image taken offshore of Mission Bay. The USCG requested any satellite-related input that might be pertinent to the case
- IncidentNews
Weathered Tarballs in Southern California, Santa Monica Bay to Dana Point, CA
oil · ID 10455 · 33.546, -118.218
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A broad and prolonged period of tarballing (since early March) along the shores of Santa Monica Bay south to Dana Point has prompted many public reports and numerous sampling events to determine possible sources. Most tarballs were described as moderately to heavily weathered and analysis indicates they are chemically consistent with natural seep oil. Many natural seeps are well known to be active in areas of Santa Barbara Channel to Santa Monica Bay. Given the broad geographic spread of tarballs and the heightened public awareness of shoreline oiling from recent spills, CAL OSPR contacted the NOAA SSC around mid-day on 07-MAY-2022 to request trajectory-related information for some public outreach materials.
- IncidentNews
Petroleum Coke (“Pet Coke”) Fire at Shoreside Facility, Benicia, CA
other · ID 10441 · 38.044, -122.133
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At 1520 hrs on 09-APR-022, the USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC regarding an apparent petroleum coke (“pet coke”) fire at a shoreside facility in Benicia, CA. The fire had reportedly started around 1330 hrs local and was potentially threatening a nearby industrial pier where three large vessels were moored (tank ship, car carrier, and bulk cargo carrier). Local fire department was engaged with the fire on-scene while Sector SF was in transit for improved situational information. As a precaution, Sector SF requested a spot forecast and smoke plume model to better understand potential air hazards to responders and downwind populations.
- IncidentNews
Container Ship Drifting in Heavy Weather off Point Reyes, CA
oil · ID 10440 · 38.060, -123.128
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At 1900 hrs on 08-APR-2022, USCG District 11 staff alerted their NOAA SSC of a drifting 560’ (172 m) container ship roughly 8 miles off Point Reyes. She was experiencing engine troubles and the anchor was dragging under heavy weather conditions from the NW. Three tugs are en route and a second anchor was deployed, which slowed drift to <1 knot. Even so, she continues to drift towards the Point Reyes National Seashore and is reportedly carrying roughly 39,000 gallons of fuel.
- IncidentNews
Gray Whale Carcass in San Francisco Bay, CA
other · ID 10437 · 37.835, -122.376
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On the morning of 06-APR-2022, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 40-foot-long gray whale carcass in San Francisco Bay, CA. NMFS requested a carcass drift estimate to aid in determining how far offshore to tow the carcass so it does not re-beach in the upcoming days.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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