The US Coast Guard reported that a containership that called the port of New York and New Jersey and docked at a terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey is reportedly leaking oil into the harbor.
Specifcially, the USCG was contacted by the National Response Center after an oil sheen was seen near the container ship YM Mandate and the vessel activated its approved response plan.
The 6572 TEU containership had arrived at the New Jersey terminal from Halifax and was scheduled to sail for Savannah, Georgia. However, the vessel is currently docked at Global Container Terminal.
A Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team in the area informed of a small crack in the ship’s hull, responsible for leaking fuel oil, which has a capacity of 462,297 gallons.
The teams responding have already placed oil containment boom and absorbent pads around the vessel, while contracted skimming vessels have been working to remove oil from the water.
A unified command consisting of the Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Gallagher Marine Systems, is responding.