CMS London Express; Elliot Bay, WA

Elliot Bay, WA | 2006-Apr-09

Initial Notification: CMS London Express at Terminal 18 in Seattle may be leaking methyl acrylate. The vessel's crew detected a strong odor prior to coming into and once at the terminal (though the vessel did not report the potential release until at the terminal). The source of the odor has not been confirmed but may be one of four ISO containers of methyl acrylatel. Methyl acrylate, an inhibited polymer, is highly flammable and may represent an explosive hazard depending on the circumstances of the release. First responders have been advised to determine if there is heat generation, an indication of chemical reaction and potential explosion risk. Methyl acrylate is a serious inhalation and contact hazard. The vapors are heavier than air and can pool. First responders have been advised to use appropriate protective gear, to establish conservative isolation distances, and to monitor constantly. The SSC and Hazmat chemist are standing by to provide further assistance remotely or on-scene.