Carolina Mystery Spill; off the North Carolina and South Carolina coast

off the North Carolina and South Carolina coast | 1999-Jan-22

Initial Notification: Multiple reports of oiled birds have been received along the South Carolina/North Carolina Coast. 90 % of the birds have been loons with a few commorants, garnants and 1 pelican. The first report was in the Charleston/ Isle of Palms area on 14 January where 8 birds were collected. Approximately 92 more birds were collected between 18 and 21 January from the south end of Myrtle Beach to Little River. Another 20 birds have been collected today (22 January) between Sunset Beach and 50 miles north of Wilmington, NC. It was reported that most of the birds have been collected live, but have been dieing after treatment. Tri-State Bird Rescue is on-scene along with representatives from SC Fish and Wildlife. A Coast Guard representative from MSO Charleston will arrive tomorrow. Samples will be taken from several birds collected at different locations and sent to LSU for analysis. USCG district 57.