The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(JACKSONVILLE, Fla.) — The Coast Guard is investigating the release of oil from a retired passenger vessel that began sinking at its mooring on the St. Johns River on Tuesday.
Coast Guard watch standers at Sector Jacksonville received the initial report of the release at approximately 7 p.m., stating that the Lady St. Johns was listing to one side and a sheen was spotted around the vessel. Upon receiving the report, the National Response Center was notified and pollution investigators from Sector Jacksonville were dispatched to the scene.
Currently, the amount of oil spilled has not been estimated. Moran Environmental Recovery has been contracted by the owner of the vessel to conduct cleanup operations and is working to contain the release.
Also responding are the Jacksonville Fire Department and the Jacksonville city waterways manager.
The cause of the release is under investigation.
