T/B LMI-150; Off Tarpon Springs, Florida

Off Tarpon Springs, Florida | 1996-Nov-09

Initial Notification: The tank barge LMI-150 lost a 14- to 18-inch deck fitting while en route from Pascagoula, Mississippi to Tampa, Florida spilling approximately 1,332 barrels of #2 diesel fuel. The deck fitting was discovered missing at 0600 on November 9; it was last seen in place at 1800 on November 8. The vessel had traveled 60 nautical miles when the spill was discovered; the release could have happened anywhere along this track. Water depths along the track were between 60 and 70 feet. Three separate USCG overflights were conducted to search for oil on the surface. Forward-looking infrared radar (FLIR) was used on two night flights. A visual overflight was conducted on the morning of November 9; no oil was observed during any of the overflights. The weather was winds from the north at 20 to 25 knots and the seas were 5 to 7 feet. USCG district 7. Keyword: none.