The US Coast Guard (USCG) statement that altered currents and winds have required further containment and oil recovery plans, with an additional 192,500 ft of boom currently on standby.
The spill is still blocking traffic through the channel. Currently, 43 outbound vessels and 38 inbound vessels are stranded, although the USCG has stated that assessments are underway in order to determine if “partial vessel traffic” can be resumed.
The spill, amounting to 196,000 gallons of oil, occurred following a collision between the Kirby-operated barge loaded with 924,000 gallons and under tow by motor vessel Miss Susan, and bulk carrier Summer Wind. So far, the remaining oil has been pumped from the partially-submerged barge, and 24 vessels have been deployed skimming the water’s surface with absorbent booms to stem the slick.
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