Potential Mystery Oil Source; 100 Miles Off Key West, Florida

76PRCFXW+VM | 2026-Jun-25

Initial Notification: U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Key West contacted the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) on June 25, 2026 to inquire about multiple NESDIS (National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service) reports in an area about 100 miles off Key West in Area/Block Dry Tortugas 493. The USCG believed the source of these anomalies could be from a RULET vessel (Remediation of Underwater Legacy Environmental Threats; a joint database developed by NOAA and USCG) north of the reported site. OR&R trajectory assessments do not indicate that the anomalies originated from any known RULET target. Further investigation shows that anomalies in this area have occurred for a long period, dating back to 2018. OR&R is coordinating with the USCG and NESDIS to further evaluate a potential source location for the origin of these anomalies and evaluate further investigative and response actions.