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 1,926 to 1,950 of 2,160 records for all sources
- IncidentNews
PC PERFECT CAST sunk off Point Reyes, CA
oil · ID 10351 · 37.858, -123.173
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On August 29, 2021, the USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to report the sinking of the PC PERFECT CAST about 13 NM southwest of Point Reyes. She was taking on water while under tow and reportedly sank around 1300 hrs. The vessel is believed to be carrying 280 gallons of diesel, but there are currently no reports of sheening. USCG requested trajectory support in the event of a release.
- IncidentNews
Fish Magnet Aground; Big Sur, CA
oil · ID 10337 · 36.253, -121.836
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On 18-Aug-2021, the 54' vessel FISH MAGNET ran aground in Monterey Bay. Approximately 1400 gallons of diesel on board. No sheen was observed at the time of grounding. The vessel is in the active surf zone. Sector San Francisco is requesting a fates analysis and trajectory.
- IncidentNews
P/C JI-ME II sunk; Inverness, CA 94937, USA
oil · ID 10329 · 38.206, -122.972
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On the afternoon of 03-AUG-2021, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a sunken 30' fiberglass pleasure craft JI-ME II. The vessel is reportedly carrying 200 gallons of diesel on board and was observed sheening near the surf zone, just north of Driftwood Beach on Tomales Point. USCG requested information on the likely fate of the diesel.
- IncidentNews
PC RELENTLESS sunk; off Carlsbad, CA
oil · ID 10318 · 33.117, -117.467
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On 15-JUL-2021, USCG Sector San Diego contacted their NOAA SSC regarding the sunken pleasure craft RELENTLESS that had caught fire and sank roughly 7 miles off Carlsbad, CA in roughly 1,600 feet of water. The vessel had a maximum capacity of 750 gallons diesel and some sheening had been observed from a USCG aircraft after the vessel sank. USCG requested information on oil fate & transport
- IncidentNews
PC GODFATHER sinking; off Seal Beach, CA
oil · ID 10320 · 33.725, -118.139
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On 15-JUL-2021, USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC regarding the 65’ pleasure craft GODFATHER that was partially sunk and drifting, roughly 1 mile off Seal Beach, CA. She is believed to be carrying roughly 500 gallons diesel on board, though no sheening has been observed, and is expected to make landfall in the vicinity of Seal Beach by 2100 hrs this evening. USCG requested a hypothetical “what if” trajectory under two scenarios: 1) if the vessel contacts shore and begins to leak, and 2) if it sinks while at anchor offshore where fuel offloading may be attempted.
- IncidentNews
Sheen report; Off Point Piedras Blancas, CA
oil · ID 10312 · 35.772, -121.467
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On the morning of 09-JUL-2021, a sailing vessel reported a large area of sheen roughly 4.5 miles offshore and 11 miles NW of Point Piedras Blancas. The reporting party indicated that it covered a large area, extending “beyond what the eye can see, it took 15 minutes to sail… through and it is a rainbow sheen with sludge in it.” (from NRC Report No. 1310177). USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to discuss the report, as natural oil seeps are known to be in the area. A USCG overflight was scheduled and Sector SF was interested if NOAA NESDIS might have suitable satellite imagery covering that area.
- IncidentNews
Possible sheen; off Point Loma, San Diego, CA
oil · ID 10300 · 32.585, -117.413
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On 20-JUN-2021, NOAA ERD began receiving media inquiries about a possible sheen report off San Diego. USCG Sector San Diego had received a report on 19-JUN-2021 (NRC Report No. 1308242) of a sheen approximately 10.5 nautical miles to the Southwest of Point Loma and the reporting party indicated that it had been present since Friday (18-JUN-2021). USCG conducted an overflight of the area and observed a 3 x 0.5 mile sheen, but did not request NOAA support. This Hotline is being opened to capture information on this report as it becomes available.
- IncidentNews
Whale carcass; Pacifica, CA
other · ID 10284 · 37.599, -122.503
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In the evening of 21-MAY-2021, NMFS Stranding Coordinator staff contacted the NOAA SSC for CA regarding a 40’ whale carcass at Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica, CA. The carcass is likely to be towed offshore sometime early on 23-MAY-2021. NMFS requested a carcass drift estimate to aid in determining how far offshore to tow the carcasses so they do not re-beach in the upcoming days.
- IncidentNews
M/V NYK DELPHINUS fire; Offshore Monterey Bay, CA
oil · ID 10281 · 36.377, -122.900
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On 14-MAY-2021, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to report a shipboard fire on the M/V NYK DELPHINUS, approximately 60 miles west of Monterey Bay, CA. At the time, the vessel was without propulsion and drifting. Marine fire fighting activities were underway and USCG was focused on search & rescue operations. No pollution has been reported, but it is unclear if fire fighting activities on board the ship were successful. USCG later requested a hypothetical trajectory estimate for roughly 800,000 gallons of mixed fuels in the event the incident devolves.
- IncidentNews
Fin whale carcasses; San Diego Bay, CA
other · ID 10277 · 32.672, -117.124
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In the morning of 09-MAY-2021, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC for CA regarding two fin whale carcasses in San Diego Bay, CA. Both carcasses are likely to be towed offshore late afternoon of either 10 or 11-MAY-2021. NMFS requested a carcass drift estimate to aid in determining how far offshore to tow the carcasses so they do not re-beach in the upcoming days.
- IncidentNews
Gray whale carcass, San Francisco Bay, CA
other · ID 10276 · 37.845, -122.395
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In the afternoon of 04-MAY-2021, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 30’ gray whale carcass in San Francisco Bay, CA. The carcass is likely to be towed offshore late afternoon/evening of 05-MAY-2021. 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; Pebble Beach, CA
other · ID 10263 · 36.562, -121.943
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In the evening of 12-APR-2021, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a beached 30’ gray whale in the vicinity of the Pebble Beach, CA. The carcass is likely to be towed offshore late on 13-APR or early on 14-APR-2021. 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; Dockweiler Beach, Venice, CA
other · ID 10252 · 33.926, -118.438
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Late afternoon on 17-MAR-2021, NMFS Stranding Coordinator in CA contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 30’ gray whale in poor health and in the process of stranding on Dockweiler Beach near LAX airport. The whale died overnight and the carcass may be towed offshore early afternoon today (18-MAR-2021). 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 Boat and Towed Fishing Vessel Adrift, Bodega Bay, CA
oil · ID 10248 · 38.282, -122.994
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In the evening of 05-MAR-2021, USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a tug boat & towed fishing vessel drifting towards shore off Bodega Bay, CA. During transit from WA State, the Tug HUNTER was towing the F/V AMERICAN CHALLENGER when there was a loss of propulsion and both vessels started drifting to the NNE. At the time of the report, the Tug HUNTER had deployed their anchor, but it had not yet caught bottom. USCG indicated that the primary pollution concern was from the Tug HUNTER, reportedly carrying 26,000 gallons diesel and 1,100 gallons. USCG requested a hypothetical trajectory estimate in the event of a grounding/spill to inform field investigations the following morning. The tug was able to anchor and was later towed to port but the fishing vessel grounded on rocks in a remote area south of Estero de San Antonio. A response effort is underway.
- IncidentNews
Disabled S/V Plan B Adrift; 31 NM off Monterey, CA
other · ID 10239 · 36.535, -122.600
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On 25-FEB-2021, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff contacted their NOAA SSC to request a drift estimate for a disabled/dismasted 30’ sailing vessel PLAN B for potential relocation/recovery. The vessel was the subject of a USCG search & rescue activity on the previous afternoon and was too low in the water for effective towing operations at that time. The vessel’s last known position was roughly 31 nautical miles West of Monterey, CA. No known pollution threat.
- 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.
- NRC raw
raw report — unverified: Caller is reporting individual has a personal vehicle that has been leaking oil onto the street for the past five years. Oil has been leakin…
nrc report · ID 1429260
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Caller is reporting individual has a personal vehicle that has been leaking oil onto the street for the past five years. Oil has been leaking onto other residential lawns and possibly into the nearby storm drain. Caller will clean up oil time to time with absorbent.
No public page - 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.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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