The USCG announced that they will continue their attempts to keep the marine environment safe in the area where Golden Ray grounded, as following the improved weather conditions on-water response has resumed and lightering operations have already removed 200,000 gallons of fuel from the vessel.
Specifically, the 200,000 gallons of fuel oil removed from the vessel are allegedly the two-thirds of the total.
Recently, NOAA commented that
The vessel has had several discharges of oil over the past month. Systematic shoreline surveys have found patchy oiling on nearby shorelines, including marsh habitats. Some wildlife has been affected.
Thus, response teams have sprayed powdered sphagnum moss along the south shore of the Brunswick River in order to absorb spilled fuel and prevent it from spreading in marshy areas. Also, there are patrol teams at the beaches trying to recover any tar balls that may come ashore.
Moreover, NOAA is monitoring water quality at 22 sites in and around the sound, part of a long term plan to evaluate the effects of the spill. Responders used booming, open-water skimming, and shoreline cleanup for the small spills, and also they have the equipment on standby in case of further incidents. Free floating oil contained in the engine room and cargo spaces is also being skimmed when possible.
Following the prevention of a potential environmental harm, the authorities are considering of removing Golden Ray’s hull, components and cargo by disassembling the vessel in place.
Pollution mitigation and response efforts continue. Specialists from the Unified Command are conducting water monitoring at 22 sites under a long term plan to ensure the safety of the public.
Overall, the vessel capsized on September 8, with 20 rescued crewmembers and four more missing. Yet, the four missing crew were rescued and then the authorities proceeded to an oil spill response, as oil leak was seen from the capsized vessel.