Hurricane Georges; Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico | 1998-Sep-21

Initial Notification: NOAA SSC and information management support from GenWest was requested on scene by USCG FOSC from MSO San Juan. MSO San Juan is currently involved in several responses actions as a result of Hurricane Georges impact on the island. These response actions included a pipeline break where 5,000-7,000 gals. of fuel oil entered an area of mangroves. Reportedly Puerto Rico DNER and the Army Corps of Engineers have issued permits to allow cleaning in the mangrove areas. Additionally a dry docked vessel broke free during the storm and sank in the middle of San Juan harbor. This vessel has 250 tons of IFO 180, and 30 tons of lube oil aboard. Also a U. S. Customs vessel with 5000 gals of diesel aboard is grounded on shore. At Roosevelt Roads a Navy vessel is partially submerged with 2000 gals of diesel and 200 gals. of lube oil. An aircraft is down in an inaccessible area near the San Juan Airport with 600 gals. of aviation fuel and hydraulic aboard. USCG district 7. Keyword: bioremediation, potential spill, salvage.