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 to 25 of 319 records for IncidentNews
- IncidentNews
Satellite Anomaly off California Coast; San Francisco, California
oil · ID 11230 · 37.511, -123.713
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On October 5, 2026, possible oil was observed in satellite imagery provided by NOAA NESDIS (National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service). This anomaly is unconfirmed as oil. The slick, estimated to be 12 nautical miles long and 0.4 nautical miles at its widest, is believed to be a possible bilge dump, located approximately 78.7 nautical miles west of San Francisco, California.
- IncidentNews
Helicopter Crash off Catalina Island; Avalon, California
oil · ID 11228 · 33.338, -118.310
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On September 30, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) regarding a helicopter that crashed into the Pacific Ocean 0.2 nautical miles off Pebbly Beach on Catalina Island. Five people were reported to have been aboard the aircraft. Two people have been transported to the hospital. Two deceased persons have been recovered and one person remains missing. Maximum amount of fuel on board is reported to be 131 gallons of Jet-A. USCG press releases: October 1, 2026, Coast Guard, Partners Respond to a Helicopter Crash offshore Santa Catalina Island, https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4615899/coast-guard-partners-respond-to-a-helicopter-crash-offshore-santa-catalina-isla/. October 2, 2026, UPDATE: Coast Guard ends search offshore Santa Catalina Island, https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4617351/update-coast-guard-ends-search-offshore-santa-catalina-island/.
- IncidentNews
Vessel Aground at West Island; Antioch, California
oil · ID 11226 · 38.021, -121.794
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On September 28, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) regarding a trawler that had run aground (when a rope was caught in the propeller) on West Island in the San Joaquin River. The vessel has a fuel capacity of 1,000 gallons of diesel but the pilot reported that only 20 gallons were on board. No sheening or discharge has been reported. Salvage options are being explored. USCG Sector San Francisco Bay deployed.
- IncidentNews
Plane Crash off Morro Bay; Morro Bay, California
oil · ID 11223 · 35.401, -120.973
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On the evening of September 22, 2026, a Hunter Hawk jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Morro Bay, California. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC), requesting a trajectory analysis for 977 gallons of JP-5 (Jet Propellant-5). Additional information is unavailable at this time.
- IncidentNews
Fishing Vessel Sunk; Los Angeles, California
oil · ID 11222 · 33.711, -118.245
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On September 22, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) about the commercial fishing vessel LINDA C that hit the Los Angeles breakwall and sank just outside the main channel on Sunday, September 20. No sheening or signs of discharge have been observed. The USCG is evaluating options and requested a worst-case discharge assessment from OR&R. The owner reported 30 gallons of diesel (maximum capacity 300 gallons) and 10 gallons of hydraulic fluid onboard.
- IncidentNews
Asphalt Spill into Trapper Slough; Stockton, California
oil · ID 11215 · 37.903, -121.466
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On September 7, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Francisco notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) that a tanker truck containing asphalt was involved in a vehicle accident and went off the road into Trapper Slough near Area Contingency Plan region 2-974. An unknown amount of asphalt has been discharged from the tanker truck. An oil spill response organization (OSRO) is enroute. NOAA provided information about the behavior of asphalt products when they are spilled.
- IncidentNews
Sunken Vessel at Boat Ramp; Moss Landing, California
oil · ID 11212 · 36.811, -121.787
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On August 30, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector San Francisco contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) regarding a sunken vessel in the Moss Landing Harbor District. The vessel is reported to be a 25-foot center console and is currently discharging fuel presumed to be diesel, creating a rainbow sheen approximately 50 X 100 yards. The amount of fuel on board and maximum capacity are currently unknown. The incident is within a quarter mile of two sensitive sites listed in the Area Contingency Plan (3-305 and 3-310). An oil spill response organization (OSRO) is enroute to float and remove the vessel. The USCG has requested a trajectory forecast from NOAA.
- IncidentNews
Dead Cormorants; San Diego, California
other · ID 11209 · 32.683, -117.224
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On August 26, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of approximately 50 dead cormorants along the Zuniga Jetty in San Diego, California. The cause of death is unknown. No sheen or other indication of pollution was observed. The SSC notified the Department of the Interior (DOI) Regional Environmental Officer and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife via their online mortality reporting form.
- IncidentNews
F/V Resolution; Inverness, California
oil · ID 11206 · 38.071, -122.979
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In the early hours of August 21, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of a fishing vessel floundering off Point Reyes, California. The USCG responded at daylight and found the 58-foot fishing vessel RESOLUTION beached in the tidal zone with a reported 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. Operations to lighter and/or remove the vessel are underway. NOAA is providing a trajectory forecast, resources at risk (ICS-232), and a spot weather forecast.
- IncidentNews
Diesel Spill in Monterey Bay; Monterey, California
oil · ID 11202 · 36.607, -121.893
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On August 13, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of a diesel spill in the Breakwater Cove Marina in Monterey, California that produced a sheen of approximately 50' x 50'. The location is near Sensitive Site 3-370-A, identified in the Area Contingency Plan. California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is en route.
- IncidentNews
Pollution Surveillance Report off Santa Barbara; Montecito, California
oil · ID 11201 · 34.332, -119.623
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The NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) for California received a Marine Pollution Surveillance Report (MPSR) for a discharge 7 nautical miles southeast of Santa Barbara, California. The report was categorized as high confidence and the source appears to be Platform B. The SSC contacted U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Santa Barbara. No other report of the discharge has been made and the USCG is contacting the operator of the facility.
- IncidentNews
Tar Balls at Monterey Bay; Pacific Grove, California
oil · ID 11197 · 36.624, -121.941
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On August 8, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) regarding a report of tar balls of varying size along a 100-meter stretch of Spanish Bay, Asilomar Beach. The oil appeared to be quite weathered. The source is unknown, possibly from natural seeps. No additional support is anticipated at this time.
- IncidentNews
Disabled Vessel near Elk Horn Slough; Moss Landing, California
oil · ID 11196 · 36.815, -121.792
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On August 7, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of the 25-foot GRADY WHITE taking on water near Elk Horn Slough. The vessel was under tow and began taking on water and the tow was released. The vessel is reported to have 70 gallons of gasoline on board and is currently sheening. California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) is currently on scene. Further efforts to recover the vessel will take place tomorrow.
- IncidentNews
Vessel Sinking in San Joaquin River; Isleton, California
oil · ID 11194 · 38.108, -121.598
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On July 31, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of a 30-foot vessel sinking in the Spindrift Marina in Isleton, California in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The vessel is currently releasing gasoline, creating a sheen moving downriver. Maximum fuel capacity is reported to be 320 gallons. The USCG is en route. No additional support from NOAA is anticipated.
- IncidentNews
Sunken Fishing Vessel in Santa Cruz Harbor; Santa Cruz, California
oil · ID 11171 · 36.966, -122.002
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On June 13, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified NOAA of a sunken fishing vessel at the marina in Santa Cruz Harbor. A "worst case" discharge is reported as 150 gallons of diesel fuel. The vessel is currently boomed with sorbent material. USCG pollution investigators are en route to assess the situation.
- IncidentNews
Release of Methyl Methacrylate; Garden Grove, California
chemical · ID 11164 · 33.786, -118.000
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On May 22, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) District Response Advisory Team (DRAT) for the Southwest District contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) regarding a damaged container of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer at the GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, California, approximately 15 miles east-southeast of USCG Base Los Angeles-Long Beach. The damaged tank was reported to contain approximately 6,500 gallons of MMA. Local responders were concerned that, in addition to the potential for toxic exposure, the tank could explode. An evacuation order for nearby areas was issued. On May 24, the EPA contacted the NOAA SSC to request air hazard modeling in the event that the contents of the tank leaked into the secondary containment, and also requested information about what would happen if the mixture of cooling water and MMA were to breach the secondary containment and enter the sewer system. The NOAA OR&R chemistry team provided hazard analysis for the behavior of MMA with water, the consequences of a breach of secondary containment, and ALOHA modeling results for the evaporation of 7,000 gallons of MMA from the secondary containment berm. The situation resolved when the overheating tank naturally cracked just enough to release internal pressure safely, allowing the reactive chemical to cool and solidify. This averted an explosion or toxic spill, enabling officials to lift all evacuation orders for roughly 50,000 residents by May 27.
- IncidentNews
Pipeline Leak into Los Angeles River; East Los Angeles, California
oil · ID 11163 · 34.041, -118.171
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On May 22, 2026, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) was notified by California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) that a crude oil pipeline was ruptured during construction activities. An unknown quantity of oil has reached the Los Angeles River. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach is monitoring the situation, but for now, the discharge remains outside of USCG jurisdiction. The NOAA SSC remains in contact with USCG. No immediate assistance from NOAA has been requested.
- IncidentNews
Fire on Platform Habitat; Santa Barbara, California
oil · ID 11158 · 34.287, -119.588
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On May 11, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) that a fire has broken out on the oil platform Habitat in the Santa Barbara Channel. Initial reports are that it is a natural gas fire and all persons on board have been evacuated. Additional information to follow.
- IncidentNews
Sunken Sailboat, San Diego Bay; Coronado, California
oil · ID 11148 · 32.630, -117.136
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The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of a sunken 40-foot sailboat in the Montego Village Marina in San Diego Bay. The vessel contains a reported 40 gallons of diesel. Minimal sheening has been observed. USCG has assumed jurisdiction over the response and will raise the vessel and remove any fuel on board. At the request of USCG, the NOAA SSC has informed Endangered Species Act (ESA) trustee agencies.
- IncidentNews
Sodium Hydroxide Leak: Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, California
chemical · ID 11142 · 33.770, -118.280
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On April 3, 2026, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) for California was contacted by U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach regarding a compromised container of sodium hydroxide. The Los Angeles Fire Department deployed on scene and established a 1000-foot safety zone around the container. Hazardous materials handlers were dispatched to assist in opening the container, assessing additional risks or hazards, and beginning off-loading the container. The container doors were opened without incident. The Incident Command demobilized April 3 and the remainder of the cleanup was managed by the facility.
- IncidentNews
Recreational Vessel Grounding, Salinas River; Monterey Bay, California
oil · ID 11140 · 36.749, -121.806
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On March 27, 2026, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco called the 24/7 NOAA spill emergency line to report that a small motor boat had washed ashore near the mouth of the Salinas River on March 26 after a Search & Rescue effort. Today the vessel was submerged by the high tide. California Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) reported little to no remaining fuel on board. No support needed from NOAA; notification only.
- IncidentNews
Container Ship Loses 32 Containers; south of Aleutian Islands, Alaska
other · ID 11131 · 33.761, -118.214
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On March 9, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) that the container ship OOCL Sunflower lost 32 shipping containers overboard on March 3, while transiting south of the Aleutian Island Chain enroute from Taiwan to the Port of Long Beach, California. The crew is unable to make a final assessment of the damages due to safety concerns, and intends to perform a full evaluation in port upon arrival to the Port of Long Beach on March 12. The crew has not observed any overboard discharge of material, nor damage below the waterline. The vessel is currently located 1,200 nautical miles west of Portland, Oregon, heading southeast. USCG Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach is preparing for the arrival of the vessel. The NOAA scientific support team is currently reviewing the cargo manifest.
- IncidentNews
Tarball Report at Monterey Bay; Indian Head Beach, California
oil · ID 11129 · 36.684, -121.815
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The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) that a private citizen reported tarballs at Indian Head Beach in Monterey Bay. The individual also reported finding two dead birds and a dead seal, and informed USCG they were collecting the tarballs. USCG dispatched personnel from Station Monterey to investigate. No additional support requested at this time.
- IncidentNews
Stranded Vessel in San Francisco Bay; Belvedere Tiburon, California
oil · ID 11127 · 37.894, -122.450
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The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of a 31-foot pleasure craft stranded on a riprap shoreline at Point Chauncey in San Francisco Bay. The USCG is concerned the vessel may break up before it can be salvaged. The owner reported there were approximately 20 gallons of fuel on board. Fuel capacity is 80 gallons. The type of fuel is suspected to be diesel, but that has not been confirmed. No additional support requested at this time.
- IncidentNews
Unknown Substance; Hyde Street Pier in San Francisco Bay, San Francisco, California
oil · ID 11114 · 37.810, -122.423
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On February 2, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) regarding a red sheen coming from five bait pens moored off the Hyde St. Pier in San Francisco Bay, California. The material resembled red dye diesel, but had no discernable odor and appeared to be coming from the bait pens. The bait fish appeared to be live, active, and unaffected. A biological source is suspected.
Ordered by the date each record reports, newest first, 25 per page. Dates are California local time.
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