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: | November 28, 2000 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Port Sulfur, LA |
| Source: | M/T Westchester |
| Material: | Crude Oil |
| Severity: | Major |
| Quantity Discharged: | 420,000 Gallons |
| Quantity in Water: | 420,000 Gallons |
| Body of Water Affected: | Mississippi River |
| Federal On-Scene Coordinator: | MSO New Orleans |
On November 28, 2000 at approximately 7:37 p.m., Eastern Standard Time the Bahamian flagged, single hulled, Tanker WESTCHESTER had engine trouble and dropped anchor in the Port Sulfur Anchorage, near Port Sulfur, Louisiana. The tanker's starboard tank, filled with 53,742 barrels of Light Nigerian Crude Oil sustained damage to the bottom hull as a result of a possible grounding or running over its anchor. The amount of product released is estimated at 420,000 gallons with the leading edge of the sheen at mile marker 30 and the thickest parts located between mile marker 33 and 35. Product is no longer being released due to hydrostatic leveling.O'Brien's Oil Pollution Services is on scene as well as a pollution investigation team from MSO New Orleans. The Gulf Strike team is enroute, and all cleanup contractors in the area with skimmers have been directed to assist in the cleanup. An Crisis Action Team was established onboard the WESTCHESTER and at Marine Safety Office (MSO) New Orleans. The Mississippi River is currently closed from mile marker 10 to miler marker 38. The estimated amount of vessel traffic in the queue is unknown at this time. CASE PENDS.