Oil spill could reach Alameda’s shores
The United States Coast Guard is reporting that a fuel spill that occurred early Friday morning in San Francisco Bay could reach Alameda’s shores.
According to the Coast Guard, their oil trajectory models showed that Alameda’s northern shoreline and Bay Farm Island could be affected by the spill, which was reported at 6:48 a.m. Friday as the Dubai Star tanker vessel was refueling near Oakland International Airport. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the spill, though they said the tanker reported a rupture of one if its fuel lines. They are not sure how much fuel spilled into the Bay.
The Coast Guard said Friday night that they had not received any reports of oiled wildlife, but they are asking anyone who discovers oiled birds or other animals to call (877) 823-6926.
Friday night, restrictions were placed on vessels transiting the spill area in San Francisco Bay, and vessel traffic through the Oakland Estuary and Oakland Bar Channel was being allowed only on a case-by-case basis.
KRON 4 news reported that the spill had forced a temporary suspension of the Alameda-Oakland Ferry on Friday evening, though the Harbor Bay Ferry was still running. Later that evening, the Coast Guard said all ferry service was operational but that it was being routed around the spill.
Shoreline fishing activity was also suspended in response to the spill.
Cleanup was taking place Friday and was expected to continue today.
