California Spill: Six Oiled Birds

California Fish and Wildlife recovery teams have observed six oiled birds after a spill in the vicinity of the 577-foot car carrier Istra Ace on Sunday.

The ship was reported to have been leaking heavy fuel in the Cerritos channel at Berth 198, after an initial investigation revealed faulty piping that may have allowed oil to leak from the starboard side of the ship. Oil was also observed throughout portions of Cerritos Channel, where booming strategies have been employed.

The amount of oil spilled is not known. An additional 1,600 feet of boom has been deployed since the initial 15,600 feet of boom that currently surrounds the vessel as well as critical points in the channel. The boom has successfully contained the oil within the affected area preventing further contamination of the harbor. 

A second helicopter flight completed by Los Angeles Police Department on Monday afternoon helped to further determine the extent of the oil spilled. A private aircraft has also been employed to survey the impacted area. All flights have shown progress in the clean-up efforts, reports the U.S. Coast Guard.

Contractors are continuing to clean with sweepers and sorbent pads in the affected area and also on affected shoreline. A total of 18 response vessels are working to clean-up after the incident.

The 577-foot Istra Ace is owned and operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and managed by Greek Stamco Shipmanagement.