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 101 to 125 of 319 records for IncidentNews
- IncidentNews
Chevron Pipeline Spill; Long Wharf, Richmond, CA
oil · ID 10228 · 37.926, -122.404
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At roughly 1500 hrs on 09-FEB-2021, there was a reported release of “intermediate bunker fuel” from a pipeline along the Richmond Long Wharf at the Chevron Refinery. The NRC report (No. 1297669) indicated an estimated release rate of 5 gallons/minute. USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to request trajectory support while Sector pollution response personnel are en route and a USCG overflight is being requested. In the meantime, local news helicopter video footage at roughly 1700 hrs appeared to show no active release, but did show light winds and oil & sheen close to shore just south of the wharf.
- IncidentNews
Styrofoam debris; Fort Funston, San Francisco, CA
other · ID 10225 · 37.720, -122.507
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On Wednesday, 27-JAN-2021, a member of the public observed Styrofoam pieces scattered along the shoreline near Fort Funston, just south of Ocean Beach in San Francisco, and reported it to the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS). GFNMS staff then contacted NOAA OR&R to inquire whether the foam may have been related to two recent shipping container losses north of the Hawaiian Islands or to containers lost in the general vicinity back in December 2015.
- IncidentNews
F/V SUNUP grounded/sunk; Eureka, CA
oil · ID 10223 · 40.757, -124.231
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On the morning of 25-JAN-2021, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to report the grounding and sinking of the F/V SUNUP within the entrance channel to Humboldt Bay the previous evening (24-JAN-2021). The 50’ wooden F/V has a maximum fuel capacity of 1,300 gallons, but at the time of sinking, the owner reported her to be carrying roughly 800-900 gallons. On-scene conditions are rough and sheening has been observed during the day. USCG requested trajectory support.
- IncidentNews
35’ vessel submerged/grounded; Long Beach, CA
oil · ID 10209 · 33.741, -118.139
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On December 10, 2020, the USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a 35’ vessel partially submerged & grounded in the vicinity of Island Chaffee (a man-made, industrial island near Long Beach, CA). The maximum potential for the vessel is 200 gallons, but the owner reports only 50 gallons of gasoline on board at the time of the incident (2230 hrs, 09-DEC-2020). Today, only light sheening has been observed near the vessel, but Sector wanted to know whether the vessel could impact nearby sensitive sites in the event of a catastrophic release.
- IncidentNews
16’ Vessel Adrift; Monterey Bay, CA
other · ID 10207 · 36.771, -121.832
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In the afternoon of 04-DEC-2020, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary contacted their NOAA SSC to request a drift estimate for a 16’ pleasure craft for potential recovery the following day. The vessel’s last known position from 1130 hrs (Local) was provided; roughly 3.5 miles SW of Moss Landing Harbor. No pollution threat. On Saturday afternoon (05-DEC-2020), an MBNMS staff member reported that the drifting vessel had been recovered and was successfully towed back to Moss Landing for salvage.
- IncidentNews
M/V WILD WAVE aground; Avalon, CA
oil · ID 10191 · 33.350, -118.327
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On October 26, 2020, the USCG Sector LA/LB contacted their NOAA SSC about the pleasure craft M/V WILD WAVE that was aground on Descanso Beach, in Avalon, CA (Santa Catalina Island). USCG reports that the vessel has a potential of 200 gallons of diesel on board. It is likely to break up before the vessel can be recovered. Sector LA/LB requested a hypothetical "what if" trajectory in the event a spill occurs.
- IncidentNews
Recreational pilot reports mystery sheen off San Clemente, CA
oil · ID 10164 · 33.337, -117.637
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In the early afternoon of 30-AUG-2020, a recreational pilot observed a mystery sheen roughly 3.75 miles offshore of San Clemente, CA (between Dana Point and Oceanside). A report was made to the National Response Center almost 24 hrs after the observation, describing the sheen as rainbow in color and roughly 50 feet in diameter. USCG Sector San Diego requested trajectory input in the event they conduct a helicopter overflight.
- IncidentNews
Humpback Whale Carcass; Santa Cruz, CA
other · ID 10138 · 36.949, -122.011
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On 06-AUG-2020, the NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 30’ Humpback Whale carcass in the vicinity of Santa Cruz. It is expected that the carcass may be towed approximately 45-50 miles offshore tomorrow night (07-AUG-2020). NMFS requested a carcass drift estimate to aid in towing guidance discussions.
- IncidentNews
S/V PLAYTIME sunk; North of Point Arena, CA
oil · ID 10135 · 39.220, -123.832
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On 02-AUG-2020, USCG Marine Safety Detachment Humboldt Bay contacted their NOAA SSC for input on potential shoreline oiling of a sunken vessel 2.5 NM offshore. The 45’ S/V PLAYTIME sank during the night with roughly 50 gallons of diesel and one gallon of lube oil on board. All passengers were safely rescued, but the S/V is believed sunk in over 100’ of water.
- IncidentNews
GFNMS whale carcass; Salmon Creek Beach, California
other · ID 10134 · 38.354, -123.068
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On the morning of 30-JUL-2020, the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) contacted their NOAA SSC to request a hindcast trajectory for a whale carcass. The GFNMS is working with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network to determine if a whale carcass found near Bodega, CA on 23-JUN-2020, might be the same carcass observed near Point Reyes on 14-JUN-2020.
- IncidentNews
USS BonHomme Richard on fire; 3400 Senn St, San Diego, CA
oil · ID 10120 · 32.683, -117.132
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At roughly 0830 hrs Pacific, 12-JUL-2020 there was an explosion and subsequent fire on-board the USS Bonhomme Richard (an 843' US Navy amphibious assault ship) moored in San Diego, CA. The fire continued for several days. The USCG Sector San Diego contacted the NOAA SSC to request a hypothetical “what if” trajectory to guide a first light overflight in the event of a release overnight. An estimated 900,000 gallons of diesel is on-board.
- IncidentNews
Un-Manned Rocket Failure; near San Nicolas Island, CA
other · ID 10093 · 33.100, -119.800
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On 25-MAY-2020, a 70 foot long, un-manned rocket was launched from an aircraft at 35,000’ altitude with 13,500 pounds of RP1 Kerosene fuel on-board (roughly 1,600 gallons). Shortly after launch, two explosions occurred destroying the rocket and causing it to fall to the water roughly 80-90 miles off the coast of Long Beach, CA. On the evening of 26-MAY-2020, USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC to request a drift estimate of fuel and/or debris.
- IncidentNews
S/V FREEDOM adrift; South of Half Moon Bay, CA
other · ID 10089 · 37.298, -122.563
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Shortly before midnight on 19-MAY-2020, USCG Sector San Francisco received a call from the 30’ wooden S/V FREEDOM that she was beset by weather and adrift south of Pillar Point Harbor, CA. All persons on board were rescued without incident and no pollution threat is anticipated. The subsequent morning, the Monterey Bay & Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuaries' staff contacted the NOAA SSC for CA to request a drift estimate for the un-manned vessel to assist in potential recovery/removal by the vessel owner.
- IncidentNews
Gray whale carcass; Santa Cruz, CA
other · ID 10090 · 36.959, -122.015
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In the afternoon of 20-MAY-2020, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 30-35 foot long Gray whale carcass in the area of Santa Cruz, CA. It is expected that the carcass may be towed offshore tomorrow (21-MAY) and released around mid-day. 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
Whale carcass; Carpinteria, CA
other · ID 10087 · 34.394, -119.527
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Early afternoon on 15-MAY-2020, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 35 foot long whale carcass on the beach at Carpinteria, CA. It is expected that the carcass may be towed offshore tomorrow (16-MAY) and released in the mid-afternoon. 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
P/C GOING COASTAL sinking; off Carmel, CA
oil · ID 10081 · 36.437, -121.997
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On 30-APR-2020, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to report a 90’ Pleasure Craft GOING COASTAL that was reportedly sinking roughly four miles offshore, just south of Carmel Bay, CA. The vessel is believed to be carrying up to 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel. USCG requested a spill trajectory.
- IncidentNews
Gray whale carcass; Port of Los Angeles, CA
other · ID 10065 · 33.724, -118.240
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Early afternoon on 06-APR-2020, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 30-35’ gray whale carcass at the Port of Los Angeles, CA. It is expected that the carcass may be towed offshore early tomorrow afternoon (07-APR-2020). 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
F/V SCOMAS grounded; Bonita Cove, Marin County, CA
oil · ID 10056 · 37.824, -122.509
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On the evening of 13-Mar-2020, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted NOAA’s Emergency Response Division about the grounded F/V SCOMAS. The vessel went aground at Black Sands Beach (west of Point Diablo near the SF Bay entrance) the previous day. USCG is concerned that the vessel will break up in upcoming wind/wave conditions and is requesting a trajectory for a potential release of 600 gallons of diesel.
- IncidentNews
Gray whale carcass; Port of Long Beach, CA
other · ID 10055 · 33.732, -118.222
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Mid-afternoon on 11-MAR-2020, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 29’ gray whale carcass at the Port of Long Beach, CA. It is expected that the carcass may be towed offshore mid-day tomorrow (12-MAR-2020). 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
Pleasure craft WILD WAVE; Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island, CA
oil · ID 10054 · 33.423, -118.505
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On the afternoon of 10-MAR-2020, USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC about an un-manned pleasure craft WILD WAVE that was dragging anchor outside of Catalina Harbor on Santa Catalina Island, CA. It is a 65' wooden vessel (former trawler) with a potential of 400-800 gallons diesel on-board and is reportedly 30 yards offshore. Sector LA/LB requests a hypothetical "what if" trajectory in the event it hits the rocks and discharges in the next two hours.
- IncidentNews
Gray whale carcass; Long Beach, CA
other · ID 10052 · 33.730, -118.221
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Late in the afternoon on 04-MAR-2020, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 28’ gray whale carcass at Long Beach, CA. No field necropsy is anticipated, so the carcass may be towed offshore first thing in the morning (05-MAR-2020). 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
Gray whale carcass; Port Hueneme, CA
other · ID 10048 · 34.150, -119.208
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On 24-FEB-2020, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 15’ gray whale carcass at Port Hueneme, CA. No field necropsy is anticipated, so the carcass may be towed offshore late in the day. 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
Small plane crash; Arcata Bay, Eureka, CA
oil · ID 10042 · 40.824, -124.142
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On February 6, 2020, a small plane crashed into Arcata Bay near Eureka, CA. The pilot was rescued with no injuries. 195 gallons of aviation fuel were reported to be on board, but no release was observed until later that afternoon. Containment boom has been deployed, but wing tanks are difficult to access for pollutant removal. USCG MSD Humboldt Bay contacted their NOAA SSC with an initial report and to request information regarding potential fuel exposure to nearby shellfish aquaculture site, roughly 0.5 NM away. Subsequently, ERD has been providing oil fate/transport/mixing information to the state authorities responsible for fishery closures during oil spills.
- IncidentNews
Possible sheen report; Sea Ranch, CA
oil · ID 10031 · 38.700, -123.433
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On January 19, 2020, the USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a pilot report of a possible sheen off northern CA coast, roughly 29 miles upcoast from Bodega Bay, CA. USCG requested trajectory support.
- IncidentNews
F/V MANDY JANE sunk; off San Francisco, CA
oil · ID 10026 · 37.740, -122.720
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On December 19, 2019, the 52' F/V MANDY JANE was the subject of a search & rescue operation and sank about 12 NM WSW of the Golden Gate Bridge (37° 44.35N, 122° 43.08 W). USCG Sector San Francisco contacted the NOAA SSC to request oil fate & trajectory support.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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