Mobil 35; Kill Van Kull, NY/NJ

Kill Van Kull, NY/NJ | 1991-Dec-25

Initial Notification: At 1800 on December 25, 1991, the tank barge Mobil 35 grounded in the Kill Van Kull, between Elizabeth, New Jersey and Staten Island, New York. The tug Terrocamo Girls and the barge Mobil 35 had moved out of the channel to avoid an on-coming tug and barge. Dredging activities in the Kill Van Kull had reduced the vessel traffic lanes to half their usual width. Mobil 35 was carrying 21,000 barrels of unleaded gasoline and 14,000 barrels of midgrade gasoline. The barge suffered two holes in the hull near the #1 starboard tank spilling 450 barrels of unleaded gasoline. The spill was carried to the west by wind and currents. No recovery was attempted due to the volatile nature of the product. Evaporative loss of over 50 percent was expected within the first hour, and 90 percent evaporation was expected by morning. Water temperature was approximately 45?F, winds were from the north at 15 knots, and the air temperature was 30?F. Breathalyzer and blood tests on the barges' personnel showed that drugs or alcohol were not involved in the accident. USCG district 1. Keyword: evaporation.