Texas Dredge Accident: Coast Guard Responds to Fuel Discharge

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a diesel fuel spill near Buffalo Bayou, Texas, yesterday morning. 

Dredger Susan Crosby

Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from the captain of the dredger Susan Crosby that during a fuel transfer the vessel’s tank overflowed and released an estimated 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel into the Houston Ship Channel just north of City Dock 45.

The source of the spill has been contained, said the Coast Guard.

Sector Houston-Galveston Incident Management Division has deployed absorbent boom using their oil spill response boats to help with clean up efforts.

According to the official announcement, “traffic management measures have been put in place for vessels transiting the Houston Ship Channel inbound of City Dock 20 and 45. Vessels must receive prior approval from the Vessel Traffic Service Houston-Galveston before transiting the area.”