Coast Guard responds to potentially damaged vessel in the Port of Los Angeles

PORT OF LOS ANGELES – The Coast Guard is responding to a report received early Wednesday from the 613-ft Philippines-flagged bulk carrier Western Seattle stating a rise in fuel tank levels that could result in a potential spill onboard the vessel.

Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach dispatched Port State Control personnel and Pollution Response Teams to the vessel to investigate and monitor the situation.

A contracted fuel barge is positioned alongside the Western Seattle to begin removing fuel. Both the Western Seattle and the fuel barge are completely surrounded by boom as a precaution. Commercial divers inspected the hull of the vessel and found no signs of structural damage.

There are no signs of pollution in the water.

While diligently responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the Coast Guard remains positioned and prepared to respond to environmental hazards throughout the United States. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach pollution investigators will remain on scene with the Western Seattle to continue monitoring the situation.

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