Tanker Spills Crude Oil off Oahu

Published May 25, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

U.S. Coast Guard officials have characterized the spill of crude oil from a Tesoro vessel off of Oahu as minimal. Reportedly, a hose coupling on the transfer hose separated when the line experienced unexpected strain. The hose behaved as designed, according to a company spokesman. Early estimates of the spill, which occurred approximately 1.5 miles off the coast of Oahu, put the total amount of oil in the water at about 2,000 gallons.

Crews from the Marine spill Response Corporation responded to the spill and assisted with cleanup. By Saturday afternoon, there was no discernible sheen on the water and no reports of effects on wildlife.

The U.S. Coast Guard and the State Health Department categorized it as a minimal spill. No wildlife could be seen during helicopter flyovers, and there was no sheen on the ocean by late Saturday afternoon. Rapid dissipation of the spill may have been a function of strong sunshine and rough waters in the area. The spill is still under investigation by the Coast Guard.