SAN PEDRO, Calif --- A Unified Command with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response (CDFW-OSPR), and Orange County Sheriff's Department has been established in response to an oil sheen observed offshore of Huntington Beach Thursday evening.
Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach Command Center received a report at 6:50 p.m. Thursday of an unknown substance in the water 1.5 miles off the coast of Huntington Beach.
Watchstanders at the Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach command center notified Coast Guard Pollution Responders, who began investigative work through the night with CDFW-OSPR, Huntington Beach Lifeguards, and Orange County Sheriff's Department.
At 6:30 a.m., Coast Guard Pollution Responders got underway with a Newport Harbor Patrol boat to investigate. A Coast Guard helicopter also conducted an overflight in the area at sunrise. Upon investigation, an oil sheen was discovered that spanned 2.5 miles in length and 0.5 miles in width in position 33-40.100N 118-04.500W, roughly 2.8 miles off Huntington Beach near platforms Emmy and Eva.
The Coast Guard is contacting all potential spill sources in the area, but no source has been identified. Additionally, the Coast Guard has hired an oil spill response organization to conduct offshore oil collection and is working to identify possible impacts to the shoreline and environmental protection strategies. At this time, no oiled wildlife has been observed. The public is asked not to approach impacted animals if observed and to call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926. This is not an informational or volunteer hotline.
For more information or updates, email padetla@uscg.mil.