Mystery Slick; Offshore Galveston Jetties, TX

Offshore Galveston Jetties, TX | 2003-Aug-18

Initial Notification: During the afternoon of 18 August 2003, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator was notified by USCG MSU Galveston of a mystery slick off the Texas Coast. The slick was reported as "chocolate mousse-like" and extending some 5 miles with an approximate location of 29 deg 05 min N Lat. 094 deg 36.4 min W Long., some 15 miles off the Texas coast. Although the USCG didn't suggest a possible source, the description of the slick and the proximity to the vessel traffic lanes are consistent with a ship transiting the area and pumping bilge. The USCG requested trajectory assistance. A follow-up overflight, on the evening of 18 August by training observers, defined the mystery slick as being a debris line composed primarily of Sargasso weed. No additional response actions were required.