Trading Bay Mystery Sheen; Western Cook Inlet, Alaska

Western Cook Inlet, AK | 2026-Aug-24

Initial Notification: On August 24, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) notified the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC) of a mystery sheen, and potentially weathered oil, observed in Trading Bay, Cook Inlet, Alaska. The source is unknown, although the oil is in the vicinity of the Platform Spark, a shut-in and abandoned well. The USCG requested assistance preparing a Resources at Risk report. Further requests are likely if the extent of discharge and a source are determined.