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Diesel Fuel Spill Off Fort Bragg Coast Prompts Coast Guard Response
The spill has been estimated at 500 gallons.
Crew members aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Alder discovered a diesel fuel spill of approximately 500 gallons in the ocean, approximately 30 miles off the coast of Fort Bragg, during the early hours of March 15. The incident prompted immediate action from authorities, including officers from the Alameda office and the US Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Incident Management Division. The Alder, a 225-foot multi-purpose vessel based in San Francisco, was on a routine mission along California’s coast when the spill was detected.
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All relevant state and environmental agencies, including the California Fish and Wildlife Spill Prevention and Response Office (OSPR), were notified of the spill. Additionally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided guidance for monitoring the spill’s drift and impact. By Friday afternoon, a US Coast Guard flyover reported that the fuel was drifting eastward and undergoing evaporation.
NOAA categorized the spill as “small,” predicting that the diesel fuel would evaporate within 18 hours due to its classification as a “non-persistent fuel.” Unlike heavier oils, diesel fuel does not sink to the ocean bottom or adhere to sediments, mitigating the need for recovery efforts by trained teams.
While small spills from recreational and fishing boats are not uncommon, concern arises if spills occur close to shore, where coral reefs and seagrass beds may be adversely affected. However, NOAA research indicates that the rapid dilution of diesel fuel in open water minimizes the likelihood of fish kills. Marine birds and shellfish may be impacted if the spill occurs near nesting areas.
The cause of the spill is under investigation by the US Coast Guard, with no timeline provided for completion. Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto, Commander of District 11, emphasized the Coast Guard’s commitment to minimizing environmental impacts and preventing future incidents. Crew members aboard the Alder continue to diligently monitor fuel use at sea and remain vigilant for any signs of fuel discharge into the ocean.
