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 2,026 to 2,050 of 2,160 records for all sources
- IncidentNews
Refugio Incident; Santa Barbara, CA
oil · ID 8934 · 34.462, -120.087
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On May 19, 2015 the NOAA was notified of a 24-inch pipeline rupture that occurred earlier today near Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County, CA. An estimated 500 barrels (21,000 gallons) of crude oil was released on the shoreside of Hwy 101 which then flowed into the Pacific Ocean. The source has since been secured. USCG personnel estimated the size of the sheen to be 3.5 NM along the beach and 50-100 yards into the water. Oil Spill Recovery Organizations are on-scene to conduct cleanup operations. California Department of Fish and Wildlife has ordered beach closures. The US Coast Guard has stood up Incident Management Team and is conducting overflights. NOAA has been requested to provide fate and effects of the crude oil and Resources at Risk information.
- IncidentNews
M/V Rio de Janiero Express; Oakland, CA
oil · ID 8928 · 37.815, -122.317
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On May 8, 2015, the USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to request trajectory support for a possible oil spill along the Port of Oakland shoreline observed by a local news helicopter. The news helicopter reported (and photographed) a dark streak of material trailing from the container ship M/V RIO DE JANIERO EXPRESS.
- IncidentNews
Shell refinery; Martinez, CA
oil · ID 8879 · 38.032, -122.130
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On February 10, 2015, the Shell refinery in Martinez, CA reported a spill of crude oil from a line undergoing hydrostatic testing. The release occurred near the seaward end of the Shell pier, where fixed containment boom is maintained. Response contractors were on-scene before sunset and applied additional containment boom and deployed skimmers. USCG Sector San Francisco requested trajectory support.
- IncidentNews
Vapor cloud; Off Oceanside, CA
other · ID 8874 · 33.144, -117.754
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On January 28, 2015, USCG Sector San Diego contacted their NOAA SSC to report an unidentified vapor cloud 14 miles offshore of Oceanside, CA. USCG aircrew noticed a pungent or chemical-like odor in the area. USCG requested NOAA assistance in determining what the substance might be and its potential trajectory.
- IncidentNews
Possible mystery spill; East San Francisco Bay, CA
other · ID 8869 · 37.751, -122.279
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On January 16, 2015, the USCG Sector San Francisco notified the NOAA SSC of a bird stranding event along the Eastern shore of San Francisco Bay (between San Mateo Bridge and Alameda’s Robert Crown Regional Park). Initial reports suggested that affected birds may be oiled, but later reports and feather analyses determined that the substance was a non-petroleum substance.
- IncidentNews
Floating drums; San Francisco Bay, CA
chemical · ID 8855 · 37.831, -122.353
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On December 2, 1014, the USCG Sector San Francisco responded to a report of a floating drum in the waters just East of Treasure Island. Nearly 24-hours later, Sector San Francisco responded to yet another report of a floating drum in the waters just East of Yerba Buena Island, less than 1.5 NM to the south of the first drum. Given the similar location of both empty black polyethylene drums and given the recent heavy weather moving through the San Francisco Bay area, Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to request trajectory support in identifying a potential source area(s) for the two (and possibly future) drums.
- IncidentNews
M/V Pine Galaxy; Off Cape Mendocino, CA
other · ID 8806 · 38.202, -124.890
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On 13-August-2014, the 480' chemical tanker M/V PINE GALAXY carrying propylene tetramer reported an engine room fire while approximately 700NM WNW of Cape Mendocino, CA. The fire disabled the vessel but no oils or chemicals were released. The M/V PINE GALAXY was taken under tow for inspection and repairs in San Francisco Bay. The USCG requested weather forecast info in support of the towing operations and for the at-sea boarding planned by USCG personnel prior to entering the Golden Gate.
- IncidentNews
Sunken barge NASH; Off Point Conception, CA
oil · ID 8771 · 34.460, -120.533
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On June 8, 2014, the USCG Marine Safety Detachment (MSD) Santa Barbara notified the NOAA SSC of the sunken barge NASH. The barge, loaded with 3,900 MT of liquid magnesium chloride, partially sank while under tow approximately 3 NM West of Point Conception, CA. The barge also contained oils and fuels associated with the barge’s machinery.
- IncidentNews
Whale carcass; Pillar Point Harbor, CA
other · ID 8765 · 37.493, -122.494
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On May 23, 2014, the NMFS Stranding Coordinator contacted ERD to request a drift estimate for a 22 foot Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) carcass that had washed up at the entrance to Pillar Point Harbor, CA.
- IncidentNews
Beached Whale Carcass; San Diego, Ca.
other · ID 8763 · 32.670, -117.246
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On May 21, 2014, the National Marine Fisheries Service contacted the Emergency Response Division with request for trajectory support for a stranded whale carcass
- IncidentNews
S/V Chelsea adrift; South of Point Sur, CA
other · ID 8725 · 36.150, -121.871
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On February 18, 2014, the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary staff contacted their SSC to request a drift estimate of an unmanned, 32 foot sailboat drifting 7 NM offshore and 9.5 NM South of Point Sur, CA. The occupants were safety rescued by the USCG. Plannining is on-going to locate and recover the vessel.
- IncidentNews
Tarball event; Montara, CA
oil · ID 8723 · 37.554, -122.514
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On February 10, 2014, the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary notified the NOAA SSC of an unusual tarball event on Montara State Beach and in Half Moon Bay but it is unknown whether the event affected a larger stretch of coastline. No oiled wildlife were seen. Hotline was created to capture and share event information.
- IncidentNews
JO MARIE; Brookings, OR
oil · ID 8716 · 42.045, -124.270
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On January 21, 2014, the USCG Sector Columbia River contacted the SSC regarding a potential diesel release. The F/V JO MARIE hit the south jetty of Brookings, OR on 20 Jan at around 9:30pm - all on board were rescued. The vessel is now sunk in ~30 feet of water, and is partially blocking the Brookings channel. There is a potential of 3000 gallons of diesel aboard, and there are small amounts of oil seen at the surface. USCG has requested a hypothetical worst case discharge, weather and tides.
- IncidentNews
Empty Life Raft Adrift; Off Central Coast, CA
other · ID 8703 · 36.342, -122.018
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On December 16, 2013, the M/V TRIUMPHANT reported the inadvertent loss of a 100-person life raft overboard. The raft automatically inflated and deployed a drogue anchor at the initial release location, approximately 6NM WNW of Point Sur, CA. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary requested a drift estimate of the raft to assist in recovering the life raft before it sinks or causes shoreline or other impacts.
- IncidentNews
Mystery sheen; 10 miles SE of San Clemente Island, CA
oil · ID 8673 · 32.773, -118.185
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At 1800 PDT on 16 Oct 2013, USCG contacted NOAA Emergency Response Division about a mystery sheen reported at 1630 PDT. The description was 1 mile by 100 yards with patches of black and brown oil.
- IncidentNews
M/V Fernstream wreck project; San Francisco Bay, CA
oil · ID 8661 · 37.820, -122.459
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On the morning of December 11, 1952, the diesel-powered general cargo ship M/V FERNSTREAM sank approximately 1 NM East of the Gold Gate Bridge after being involved in a collision with the SS HAWAIIAN RANCHER. At the time, she was headed to Manila, Philippines and loaded with 3,000 tons of soybeans, general cargo and an estimated 12,500-19,000 bbls of diesel fuel. The FERNSTREAM is one of four potentially polluting shipwrecks described in NOAA’s RULET (Remediation of Underwater Legacy Environmental Threats) risk assessments for the waters off California (USCG District 11). Because it is not yet clear whether substantial amounts of the ship’s bunkers may remain aboard the FERNSTREAM, a USCG Sector San Francisco-led Taskforce is considering the potential pollution risks of the ship based on initially available data and subsequent investigative efforts. This Hotline has been created primarily as an archive for NOAA’s support of the Taskforce activities.
- IncidentNews
Tug Delta Captain; Offshore of Point Sur, CA
oil · ID 8585 · 36.270, -122.155
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At approximately 1700 hours (local) on 13-APR-2013, the tug Delta Captain was reportedly sinking approximately 13NM off Point Sur, CA. At the time, she was towing a deck barge with a crane on board and a total of 22,000 gallons of diesel (18,000 on the tug, 4,000 on the barge). By the time a USCG helicopter was on-scene to conduct search & rescue operations, the barge, a life boat and debris was visible but no signs of pollution and no tug boat. Four survivors were rescued and taken to shore and the tug is believed sunk and possibly suspended below the barge by a 1,400 foot tow cable. Water depths in the area are approximately 400 fathoms (2,400 feet), seas are reportedly 14-16 feet and gale force winds. A second tug boat is due on-scene in the next 14 hours. USCG Sector San Francisco contacted their NOAA SSC to request a precautionary “what if” trajectory in the event there is a catastrophic release of product before tomorrow’s first light overflight.
- IncidentNews
M/V Champion Express adrift; Off Half Moon Bay, CA
other · ID 8572 · 37.520, -122.687
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In the evening of 28-Feb-2013, the 628 foot M/V CHAMPION EXPRESS was reported adrift approximately 8NM West of Half Moon Bay, CA. The loaded bulk cargo ship carrying liquid fertilizer had reported an engine leak that forced an engine shutdown. At the time USCG contacted their NOAA SSC, she had been drifting for approximately 5 hours. A tug was en route at the time of the call and expected to be on-scene in an hour or so. USCG Sector SF requested a precautionary drift estimate of the ship in the event there is difficulty getting her under tow. No pollution has been reported or is anticipated at this time.
- IncidentNews
Platform IRENE potential spill; Off Point Arguello, CA
oil · ID 8497 · 34.607, -120.728
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At 1000hrs (local time), USCG District 11 Command Center contacted their NOAA SSC about a potential release from Platform IRENE off Point Arguello, just to the North & West of Santa Barbara Channel. A pressure drop was detected on one of Platform IRENE’s production lines with a reported maximum potential volume of 31,000 gallons crude. No product has been observed on the surface by platform workers on-scene. An Oil Spill Response Vessel (OSRV) is on-scene and transiting the pipeline corridor connecting Platform IRENE to shore to look for product on the surface. In addition, a helicopter overflight is being scheduled with the local Sheriff’s office and a USCG C-130 overflight may occur later in the day. A precautionary “what-if” trajectory has been requested.
- IncidentNews
F/V Sea Biscuit; Near Bodega Bay, CA
oil · ID 8498 · 38.307, -123.019
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At 1045hrs (local time), CA’s Office of Spill Prevention & Response (OSPR) contacted their NOAA SSC to request a trajectory estimate for the F/V SEA BISCUIT, which beached late last night in the surf near Bodega Bay, CA. The vessel has 150 gallons of diesel on board and a rainbow sheen was observed nearby sometime this morning. The State is considering a temporary closure of some local fisheries in the vicinity as a result of the spill and have requested a trajectory estimate on which to base their closure boundary.
- IncidentNews
Mystery sheen; San Pedro Channel, Off Los Angeles, CA
oil · ID 8496 · 33.502, -118.118
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In the early afternoon of 23-August-2012, USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC to request support for a mystery sheen reported earlier in the day. A sheen from an unknown source was observed and reported to the USCG at approximately 0700 hours (local) at 33º 30.09’N, 118º 07.08’W. A subsequent USCG overflight at approximately 1030 hours (local) observed a heavy sheen covering approximately 1 square mile. A trajectory estimate was requested.
- IncidentNews
Pleasure Craft Revenge; Carrington Point, Santa Rosa Island, CA
oil · ID 8461 · 34.032, -120.040
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On the afternoon of 10-JUNE-2012, USCG Marine Safety Detachment Santa Barbara contacted their NOAA SSC about the vessel REVENGE that had sunk just off Carrington Point on Santa Rosa Island, CA. The REVENGE is a 40' pleasure craft with 250 gallons of diesel on board. She is not leaking at present and salvage/removal operations will commence on the morning of 11-JUNE-2012. USCG requested a precautionary "what if" trajectory estimate from NOAA ERD in the event the vessel leaks overnight or before salvage operations are completed.
- IncidentNews
Army Corps vessel; NW of Eureka, CA
oil · ID 8457 · 41.138, -124.386
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On the afternoon of 06-JUNE-2012, the USCG District 11 Command Center notified the NOAA SSC of an Army Corps of Engineers vessel that had reported a loss of 90-110 gallons of hydraulic fluid from one of their propellers. The release reportedly occured at 2115hrs (Local) on 05-JUNE-2012 approximately 10NM West of Patricks Point, just north of Eureka, CA. USCG D-11 intends to perform an overflight of the area and requested NOAA Trajectory support to inform their search activities.
- IncidentNews
Mystery Sheen; Off San Diego, CA
oil · ID 8450 · 32.720, -117.597
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On the evening of 22-MAY-2012, the USCG District-11 Command Center contacted their NOAA SSC to report a mystery sheen observed by a USCG helicopter offshore of San Diego, CA at 1814hrs (local time). The observation was described as a 3NM x 3NM rainbow sheen approximately 16.5NM west of Point Loma and approximately 5NM North of the US/Mexican border as depicted by the offshore EEZ boundary. A trajectory estimate was requested to establish whether the sheen might threaten Mexican waters.
- IncidentNews
Platform Elly sheen; Off Huntingon Beach, CA
oil · ID 8442 · 33.582, -118.127
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On the evening of 09-May-2012, USCG Sector LA/Long Beach contacted their NOAA SSC regarding a cracked overflow pipe on Platform Elly (approx. 7.5NM off Huntingon Beach, CA) that was discharging a small amount of visible sheen. Release rate is reported as approximately 2-3 gallons per day and patching of the pipe is scheduled to commence early tomorrow morning. In the meantime, a precautionary (“what if”) trajectory estimate has been requested in the event the patching operations encounter difficulties.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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