The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(HUMBOLDT BAY, Calif.) — The Coast Guard, along with the Department of Fish and Game’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR), is responding to a sunken vessel in the vicinity of Fields Landing Marina.
At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco received a report of a sunken vessel discharging an oil sheen. Coast Guard personnel from Marine Safety Detachment Humboldt Bay immediately responded to the scene and began working with the vessel’s owner and hired contractors to control the source of the sheen and begin cleanup operations.
Containment boom and absorbent pads were placed around the vessel in an effort to mitigate the effects of the oil.
On Sunday, diving operations were conducted to plug oil vents and patch any visible leaks. Additional boom was deployed around the vessel, and cleanup efforts will continue with Coast Guard and OSPR oversight.
The “Allen Cody,” a 100-foot wooden-hull tug/commercial vessel, was side-tied to the Humboldt Bay Forest Products’ dock in Fields Landing. The vessel sank at the dock, and possible cause is under investigation.
So far, OSPR reports no noticeable effects on wildlife in the immediate area; however, several yards of eel grass has been oiled and is being removed by cleanup contractors. Responders will continue to track any loose eel grass which may have collected oil.
The owner and hired contractors are developing a Salvage Plan for approval by the Federal and State officials. The Coast Guard and OSPR will continue to oversee cleanup efforts, as well as monitor the area for environmental impacts.
