COLUMBUS AMERICA / NEPTUNE JADE; Norfolk, VA

Norfolk, VA | 1990-Jul-02

Initial Notification: At 1842 on the evening of Sunday, July 1st, the container ships NEPTUNE JADE and COLUMBUS AMERICA collided during a thunder storm in the area of the Hamp- ton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, (37 00.2N & 76 17W). The NEPTUNE JADE proceeded to to Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and the COLUMBUS AMERICA proceeded to NORSHIPCO, docking there at approximately 2300. . The COLUMBUS AMERICA damaged at least one fuel tank containing 140,000 gallons of #4 fuel oil, and possibly another fuel tank of the same type and a double bottom tank containing 80,000 gallons of diesel. Oil has been streaming from the collision site to NORSHIPCO. An overflight was scheduled for this morning. . SSC's (AnnHayward Walker and Gary Ott) are in route and will arrive Norfolk at about 1200 EDT. Contact SSC at MSO Hampton Roads (804-441-3314). . THE COLLISION OCCURRED ON A HIGH TIDE GOING INTO EBB, WITH NW WINDS 8-15KTS LAST NIGHT. TODAY'S FORECAST IS WINDS OUT OF THE NORTH 15-20 KTS, AIR TEMPS IN THE MID-80'S. THE WINDS MAY VARY SOME N/NW AND N/NE. SEAS 2-3'. TOMORROW THE WINDS WILL BE OUT OF THE SOUTH 5-10 IN THE AM, AND 15 KTS IN THE AFTERNOON. . Initial trajectory estimates are that the oil will stay inside the bay area for the immediate tidal cycle. The immediate concern is if, and when, the oil may head around Cape Henry and possibly impact the Virginia Beach area. 37 00.2N & 76 17W USCG district 5.