A discharge of high sulphur fuel oil was reported on September 4 into the Mississippi River, New Orleans, due to an overfilling of a fuel tank on the M/V Vita Horizon during bunkering operations.
As a result of the spill, there was a strong odor of diesel in the Belle Chasse and Braithwaite areas overnight.The vessel estimates there to be 10-20 barrels of product spilled.
The Plaquemines Parish 911 Center received a report, on Monday morning. The Plaquemines Parish Fire Department and Plaquemines Parish Port were then notified of the incident.
The responsible parties hired companies to boom off both vessels and begin cleanup operations, that will be overseen by the US Coast Guard.
USCG has also conducted a preliminary investigation, ensured the source was secure, notified the waterways warning network, and issued an information bulletin to warn traffic near the site for the cleanup crews safety.
A Pollution Response team has responded to collect statements and ensure cleanup operations were progressing.
