Puerto Rico: A 1,000-gallon oil spill prompts a Coast Guard emergency response in San Juan Harbour
Posted on Dec 04, 2024 at 09:12 PM
The U.S. Coast Guard reacted to a petroleum dock and tanker leak in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Thursday, November 28. Cleanup is currently underway after the leak was promptly stopped and confined.
Moreover, the U.S. National Response Centre notified Sector San Juan at around 1930 hours on Wednesday that there had been a leak at the Puma Energy fuel terminal in San Juan Harbour.
Fuel Leak & Immediate Response
Around 1,000 litres of No. 3 fuel oil leaked into the ocean as it was being transferred from the tanker Dubai Green to the pier side receiving facilities. When the crew noticed a sheen on the water, they realised there was a leak and stopped the transfer process.
Notably, cleaning personnel used over 1,000 feet of boom to stop the sheen from spreading, covering an area of about 300 feet by 12 feet. Puma recruited local subcontractor All Environmental Services to help in the cleanup, while Puma Energy called in Marine Spill Response Corporation.
It will probably take many days to clear the petroleum from the harbour's tiny pockets and the containment area.
The Coast Guard is investigating an incident and managing cleaning, while also warning the public and local fishermen to avoid the region and avoid contact with toxic materials.
Ports Synergy: Stability Assessment
Coast Guard Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the incident Chief Warrant Officer Jamie Testa stated, “We are investigating and overseeing clean-up efforts to ensure the right resources are brought into this response to remove this pollution threat and mitigate the marine environmental impacts in the affected area as best as possible.” He stated. “This incident highlights the importance of fuel facilities and vessels having updated response plans in place and that those plans are exercised frequently to ensure the quickest and most efficient response possible.”
Besides, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan Commander Luis J. Rodriguez prioritises maritime port safety, particularly at Pier-3 West in San Juan. The facility, which hosts the world's largest cruise ships, has experienced a loss of its mooring structure. Coast Guard Prevention personnel are working with San Juan Cruise Port and Puerto Rico Ports Authority to determine its stability.
Robust Plans for Maritime Operations
These kinds of occurrences also serve as a reminder of how crucial it is that ships and fuel facilities have a solid reaction plan and routinely practise it.
Attending Maritime Professional Training, which covers navigational tactics, safety protocol, and critical skills, will help you get ready for any situation.
The busiest harbour on the island is located at San Juan Bay, which is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long. It is Puerto Rico's primary inlet and harbour next to Old San Juan.
Furthermore, the public and local fishermen have been warned by the Coast Guard to avoid handling any petroleum and to avoid the spill site. Until the cleanup is finished, fishing and other activities in the vicinity are also prohibited.
Consequently, teams are putting in a lot of effort to make sure San Juan Harbour is safe once more during the anticipated multi-day cleanup process.
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