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 1,951 to 1,975 of 2,160 records for all sources
- 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.
- IncidentNews
Pleasure Craft MARCHELLE aground; West side of Catalina Island, CA
oil · ID 10015 · 33.419, -118.488
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On the morning of 30-NOV-2019, the 33ft Pleasure Craft MARCHELLE ran aground on the west side of Catalina Island (near Two Harbors) with a maximum potential of 800 Gallons of diesel on board. At the time, a 1/4 mile sheen was observed leading to the west at high tide. On the morning of 02-DEC-2019, USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted the NOAA SSC to request a worst case (800 gallon) trajectory estimate in the event a release occurs during salvage operations scheduled for 1300 hrs on 02-DEC-2019.
- IncidentNews
Recreational vessel TUSSLER sunk; off La Jolla, CA
oil · ID 10008 · 32.867, -117.621
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On November 13, 2019, the 66’ recreational vessel TUSSLER sank at roughly 17.5 NM due west of La Jolla, CA. The vessel was reportedly carrying 800 gallons diesel fuel and no sheen/slick was observed when she went down. USCG Sector San Diego contacted their NOAA SSC to request trajectory support in the event the vessel leaks.
- IncidentNews
F/V Miss Haley sunk; off Northern CA
oil · ID 10006 · 38.450, -123.600
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On November 10, 2019, the USCG Sector San Francisco notified the NOAA SSC that the F/V Miss Haley broke up and sank roughly 14 NM from shore and 28 NM WNW of Bodega Head. The max potential fuel volume on board is believed to be 17,000 gallons diesel. USCG Sector San Francisco requested oil fate & transport information due it’s location within a National Marine Sanctuary.
- IncidentNews
Pleasure craft "The Lady" sunk; Huntington Beach, CA
oil · ID 9957 · 33.728, -118.075
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On 25-AUG-2019, USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach contacted the NOAA SSC regarding the 61' wooden pleasure craft "The Lady" that sank at the dock in Huntington Beach at 1530 hrs. The vessel had a max capacity of 600 gallons diesel on-board and rainbow sheen and a heavy slick were observed between the vessel and the dock. Reportedly, the vessel was still "bubbling up" a few hours later. USCG requested trajectory support for their upcoming response and investigations.
- IncidentNews
Construction Barge Potential Spill; Long Beach Inner Harbor, CA
oil · ID 9938 · 33.743, -118.169
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On July 22, 2019, the USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted the NOAA SSC to report a possible diesel spill from a construction barge in Long Beach’s Inner Harbor. The incident occurred at 0900 hrs and had a maximum potential volume of 200 gallons diesel. Sector LA/LB requested trajectory support to aid in searching for any potentially oiled shoreline.
- IncidentNews
Sheen report near Point Sur, CA; 25 NM south of Point Sur, CA
oil · ID 9918 · 35.890, -121.810
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At 1630 hrs on 22-JUN-2019 the NOAA Ship R/V Bell M Shimada observed a sheen roughly 25 NM south of Point Sur, CA and forwarded photos and location to USCG Sector San Francisco and the NOAA SSC. The USCG Duty Officer requested trajectory support to determine if the sheen might be related to a recent NOAA NESDIS Marine Pollution Surveillance Report (MPSR) issued in the vicinity on 20-JUN-2019.
- IncidentNews
Blue whale carcass; Long Beach, CA
other · ID 9911 · 33.748, -118.218
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The NMFS Stranding Coordinator for CA contacted the NOAA SSC to report an 80’ Blue whale carcass found within the Port of Long Beach on 03-JUN-2019. No field necropsy is anticipated, so the carcass will likely be towed offshore on/about 04-JUN-2019. 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
Ellwood Beach spill; Goleta, CA
oil · ID 9909 · 34.425, -119.907
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On 30-MAY-2019, the USCG Marine Safety Detachment Santa Barbara contacted the NOAA SSC regarding a 1-3 bbl spill of crude oil during a shoreside well abandonment operation on 28-MAY-2019. USCG requested trajectory information to support shoreline assessment & cleanup activities, if needed.
- IncidentNews
Sulfur dioxide release; Shell Refinery, Martinez, CA
chemical · ID 9903 · 38.019, -122.117
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On May 16, 2019, the USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to report an airborne release of 500 lbs Sulfur Dioxide from a flare stack at the Shell Refinery in Martinez, CA. USCG requested an estimate of potential airborne concentrations downwind of the release and how far concentrations might exceed levels of concern.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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