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Office of Public Affairs | |
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| Press Release |
Date: Nov. 21, 2007 |
COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO PETROLEUM SPILL IN TONGASS NARROWS | |
| JUNEAU, Alaska-The Coast Guard is currently responding to a petroleum spill in the Ketchikan Gateway near the Tongass Narrows across from the Ketchikan Airport.
The spill occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. today when a 20-foot container on board an Alaska Marine Line (AML) barge fell and spilled approximately 1000 gallons of a petroleum/soil mix product on the deck of the vessel and into the water. The tug and barge were transiting from Juneau to Ketchikan. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Ketchikan, Station Ketchikan, and Sea Pro response are currently on scene assessing the spill and initiating clean-up efforts. A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Sitka is monitoring the two-mile, five-foot wide sheen, while two Coast Guard marine investigators are currently conducting an initial investigation. It is estimated that only 100 gallons of the 1000 gallons of product is actual petroleum. The public is asked to stay clear of the response area until further notice. | |
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