Offshore Galveston Mystery Spill; Galveston Anchorage, TX

Galveston Anchorage, TX | 2001-Jul-15

Initial Notification: On Sunday, July 15, 2001 at 1335 CDT, a slick 1 mile long by 300 feet wide was observed by a ship's captain in the Galveston Anchorage area offshore (29?15.3'N, 094?30.4'W) and reported to the USCG. The captain took a sample and judged it to be a fairly heavy product similar to Bunker C. On the same day at 1835 CDT a, USCG overflight reported the slick in position 29?15.85'N, 94? 32.07'W and measured 2 miles long by 1/4 mile wide. On Monday, July 16, 2001 at 1130 CDT, a USCG overflight observed a slick in the shape of an "L" measuring approximately 4 miles long by 100-200 yds wide with the leading edge at 29? 15.5'N, 094? 36.6'W, approximately 6 nm SE of the south entrance jetty to Galveston Bay. The leading edge contained the heaviest concentration of oil. The trailing edge was 29?15.0'N, 094? 33.1' W. At 1600, a TGLO 27' vessel reported the heaviest concentration of oil 29?15.20'N, 094?36.13'W. They also reported fresh oil staining on the jetties. At this time the type of oil and the responsible party have not been identified. USCG district 8.