Potential Release from Motor Vessel in Distress; Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean | 2026-Aug-19

Initial Notification: On August 19, 2026, the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) for District Oceania was notified of a vessel (M/V SLNC York) taking on water 700 nautical miles northeast of Saipan. The vessel contained 4,500 gallons of lube oil and 21,000 gallons of marine gas oil. Rescue and towing vessels are en route. The SSC requested satellite/visual imagery from NOAA NESDIS (National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service) to assess the pollution impacts of this event. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) indicated possible Oceania Regional Response Team (RRT) activation for dispersant use if fuel is discharged. NOAA is providing any available satellite imagery, will model observed oil anomalies, and provide recommendations as necessary.