Mystery Slick 9.3.1998; Breton Sound, Louisiana

Breton Sound, Louisiana | 1998-Sep-03

Initial Notification: On September 3, 1998, an overflight reported a 4-mile by 4-mile slick of unknown origin in Breton Sound, Louisiana. The slick was reported to be thick with emulsified oil in some places. The calm conditions combined with a good sun angle allowed the observation of numerous very thin sheens, but accounting for very little oil. Oil sheens were observed to include silver, rainbow, and dull rainbow. One streamer of "heavier oil" was observed north of Deadman Island in Eloi Bay. Cleanup workers were directed to the heavier oil. USCG observers with the cleanup contractor reported that this oil was too thin on the surface for effective recovery. Several islands in the upper Breton Sound were seen to sheen oil, but were determined to be too lightly oiled for mechanical cleanup. USCG district 8. Keyword: none.