MV Leader; NEW YORK HARBOR, NY

NEW YORK HARBOR, NY | 2002-Jan-31

Initial Notification: On 31 January, 2002 the M/T Leader discovered that due to a grounding incident the night before they were leaking MBTE (Methyl tert-butyl ether (2-methoxy-2-methylpropane) from the #1 center tank. USCG ACTNY responded to the notification form the vessel. MBTE is a listed hazardous material. Therefore, the response activities were conducted under CERCLA authority and funding. It was estimated that the ship had lost 350 barrels (14,700 gallons), and was leaking at about 9,000 gallons per hour. Due to the flammability of the product, the USCG set up an initial safety zone of one-half mile around the ship. Slowly that was reduced to 200 yards and then 100 yards. Eventually they were able to get Investigators aboard and do damage surveys. The crew began internal transfer of cargo out of the damaged tank. By 1830 the hole was plugged and by 0030 a temporary repair was made. It was estimated that a total of 588 barrels (25,000 gallons) was lost. USCG district 1.