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 1,901 to 1,925 of 2,160 records for all sources
- 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.
- IncidentNews
Satellite-Detected Anomaly Northwest of Point Reyes, CA
oil · ID 10434 · 38.269, -123.967
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In the early morning hours of 29-MAR-2022, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a NESDIS Marine Pollution Surveillance Report (MPSR) that was issued at 2319 hrs on 28-MAR-2022. The center of the long, narrow anomaly was located roughly 78 nm NW of San Francisco with the portions closest to shore being roughly 18 nm NW of Point Reyes. USCG intends to deploy a first light overflight on the morning of 29-MAR and requested an estimated search area based on likely drift.
- IncidentNews
Sailing Vessel Sunk Off Santa Cruz, CA
other · ID 10432 · 36.935, -122.053
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On the evening of 22-MAR-2022, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff contacted their SSC regarding a sailing vessel that had sunk off Santa Cruz, CA the prior evening. The last known position was roughly one mile south of Terrace Point. No fuel is expected on board, so the Sanctuary requested a drift estimate of the S/V as it sunk to assist the owner in relocating & removing it.
- IncidentNews
Diesel release - offshore Bodega Bay, CA;
oil · ID 10425 · 38.340, -123.131
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Om March 8, 2022, NOAA received a request from USCG Sector San Francisco for trajectory and fate information for a release of a maximum volume of 200 gallons of diesel fuel from a sunken crab fishing vessel approximately 3 nm offshore of Bodega Bay (Salmon Creek). The reported latitude/longitude is 38° 20.258N, 123° 07.727 W.
- IncidentNews
Tarballs off Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach, CA
oil · ID 10401 · 33.683, -118.062
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On December 22, 2021, the USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a report of sheen and tarballs offshore of Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Initial USCG overflight info indicates two small areas of rainbow sheen roughly 150’ by 100’ and by 200’, while on-water (vessel-based) observations described some tarballs amongst the sheen. USCG has requested trajectory support.
- IncidentNews
Transient Vessel Sinking at West Basin, Long Beach, CA
oil · ID 10395 · 33.751, -118.233
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On 15-Dec-2021, a 44-ft transient vessel was found to be sinking and was towed to Pier 10, West Basin, Long Beach. The vessel is at risk of sinking at the dock with a potential of 500 gallons of diesel onboard. Sector LA/LB is requesting a fates analysis and trajectory for the next few days to determine potential environmental risk.
- IncidentNews
Black Oil Slick; Huntington Beach, CA
oil · ID 10396 · 33.686, -118.052
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On 15-Dec-2021, Sector LA-Longbeach received a report of a black oil slick 30 feet by 90 feet in Huntington Beach near Bolsa Chica. They have requested a trajectory.
- IncidentNews
61-ft Paddleboat Sinking, Long Beach, CA
oil · ID 10394 · 33.755, -118.159
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On 15-DEC-2021, the Newport Princess, a 61-ft paddleboat, was observed sitting very low in the water and potentially sinking. The paddleboat is very near to the shoreline and has approximately 100 gallons of diesel onboard. Sector LA/LB is requesting a trajectory and fates analysis and a 3-day weather forecast for the location.
- IncidentNews
Sheen near Platform Holly; Santa Barbara, CA
oil · ID 10392 · 34.389, -119.906
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On the morning of 11-DEC-2021, USCG Marine Safety Detachment (MSD) Santa Barbara contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a sheen report near Platform Holly. On 10-DEC-2021, a member of the public took uncrewed aerial system (UAS aka “drone”) photos of sheen which were picked up by local media. Coal Oil Point seeps are among the most active natural seep areas in the world, releasing an estimated 6,500-7,000 gallons/day of oil. Platform Holly and other nearby platforms have been shut-in since the Refugio pipeline spill in 2015 and Holly is undergoing decommissioning by the State of CA. Decommissioning crews report no releases from the platform. A first light overflight by USCG observed a large, crescent-shaped area of sheen (4 miles east/west by 2 miles north/south). MSD Santa Barbara requested an oil fate & transport estimate.
- IncidentNews
Pipeline Spill Huntington Beach, CA; United States
oil · ID 10361 · 33.638, -118.087
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At 0840 hrs on 02-OCT-2021, USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a spill report. NRC Report No. 1318437 described an unknown sheen in the water at 1813 hrs local time on 01-OCT. Roughly 45 minutes later, a SENTINEL 1-A satellite image was obtained that became the basis for a NESDIS Marine Pollution Surveillance Report (MPSR) issued at 0015 hrs local (0815 UTC) on 02-OCT. USCG field teams investigating the reports in the morning, observed a large area of thick in the vicinity of the NRC and MPSR reports, black oil roughly 3.25 NM offshore and requested trajectory support.
- IncidentNews
F/V BARBARA MARIA spill; Spud Point Marina, Bodega Bay, CA
oil · ID 10355 · 38.329, -123.057
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Late morning on 16-SEP-2021, staff from the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary contacted their NOAA SSC to request a trajectory for a reported diesel spill in Bodega Harbor, CA. Further information obtained from USCG Sector San Francisco indicated that roughly 200-300 gallons of diesel fuel may have discharged from the F/V BARBARA MARIA during a tank-to-tank transfer late in the evening of 15-SEP-2021. Winds have been light & variable since early in the spill and USCG Sector San Francisco observed scattered sheen in other areas of Bodega Harbor. Oil fate & transport info was requested.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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