Coast Guard, partner agencies responding to oil spill in Arthur Kill waterway

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 1st District PA Detachment New York Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment New York Office: (212) 514-4291 After Hours: (917) 703-0983 PA Detachment New York online newsroom

Coast Guard, partner agencies responding to oil spill in Arthur Kill waterway

NEW YORK — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are responding to a report of an oil spill that occurred in the Arthur Kill waterway near the Goethals Bridge, Thursday afternoon.

At approximately 2:00 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New York received a report of a commercial container ship leaking fuel-oil while moored at the Global Marine New York Container Terminal off Staten Island. 

The amount of fuel spilled into the waterway is unknown and responders have placed containment boom, with two vessels actively skimming and cleaning up the waterway. The vessel has activated their vessel response plan and engaged commercial oil spill removal organizations.

A pollution response team from Coast Guard Sector New York is on scene to assess the situation and conduct pollution mitigation. Additionally, an aircrew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City is conducting an overflight monitoring the situation. 

Members of the New York Police Department are also responding to the incident.

The Captain of the Port has established a safety zone on the Arthur Kill waterway from the Goethals Bridge to Shooters Island. 

Coast Guard Sector New York Vessel Traffic Service is monitoring all marine traffic in the immediate area. All concerned vessel traffic should contact Vessel Traffic Service at 718-354-4088 or the Sector Command Center at 718-354-4152.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. A Unified Command will be established to coordinate cleanup efforts and reestablish the marine transportation.

 

-USCG-