These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.
| Occurrence Date: | 23 November |
|---|---|
| Location: | Houston Ship Channel |
| Source: | Barge BOA 16 |
| Material: | Diesel |
| Severity: | Unknown |
| Quantity Discharged: | Unknown |
| Quantity in Water: | Unknown |
| Body of Water Affected: | Houston Ship Channel |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | MSO Galveston |
On November 22, 1999 at 10:03pm the National Response Center received a report that the lift barge BOA 16 (NO) sunk between buoys 14 and 16 in the Houston Ship Channel resulting in the immediate closure of the channel. There is a report of a sheen covering the width of the channel (300 feet) and extending approximately 2 miles in length. The barge is carrying 16,000 gallons of diesel. The surface area was boomed off. A salvage company deployed air into the barge and the barge broke free from the bottom at approximately 0645R. Plans are to push the barge to a nearby shipyard. No impact to the shoreline or marine wildlife has been reported. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast continues to be issued. The estimated time to reopen the channel is unknown. CASE PENDS.