MV Hector Maru; Texas City, TX

Texas City, TX | 2001-Mar-14

Initial Notification: On the evening of 14 March 2001, the NOAA SSC was notified of a spill near Texas City, TX. Apparently, a storm characterized by the National Weather Service as a Gust Front with 60-70 kt winds, caused the tanker vessel GenMar Hector Maru to surge forward during a transfer operation. The connection was broken and an estimated 100 bbl of oil was reported released. At the writing of this initial report, there has been no confirmation of source control. The location of the spill is Pier 41 in the Texas City Canal (approximately 29? 21.9 N Lat. and 94? 53.6 W Long.) At risk is a highly sensitive area just south of this location identified as Swan Lake, Lower Galveston Bay, and the Bolivar Roads area. What is unknown based on the available charts is if a connection between Swan Lake and Texas City Canal exist. If so, Swan Lake is clearly at risk. Verbal reports from the USCG suggest that there is no connection. The spilled oil is reported to be a Kuwait Crude. Such oils have a relatively light specific gravity, but readily emulsify. USCG district 8.