Coast Guard Ship Spills 500 Gallons of Diesel Off the Northern California Coast

Last week, the waters off Mendocino County’s coast became the site of an unfortunate incident as a U.S. Coast Guard vessel inadvertently spilled about 500 gallons of diesel fuel into the Pacific Ocean. The mishap, which occurred roughly 30 miles west of Fort Bragg, was attributed to an operator’s oversight in shutting off a pump, leading to the diesel discharge from midnight to 1:30 a.m. Friday.

The vessel, tasked with navigational buoy maintenance, faced challenges in addressing the spill due to insufficient tools and lighting. According to a report from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, prevailing wind and current conditions suggested that the spill was unlikely to reach the shoreline. Authorities anticipated the diesel would evaporate within approximately 18 hours, mitigating the potential for lasting environmental damage.

“We are investigating the incident and are working diligently to minimize any potential environmental impacts,” Coast Guard Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto said in a statement. “Our priority is to protect the environment and prevent any future incidents.”

The Cutter Alder was en route to Humboldt Bay when the spill took place. The origins of the vessel’s journey remain unspecified as the Coast Guard continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the diesel release.