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Press Release | Sept. 27, 2024

U.S. Coast Guard responding to oil sheen in Maryland

BALTIMORE — U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland - National Capital Region has responded to an initial report of a 50-foot by 50-foot oil sheen reported near the 623-foot Motor Vessel SSI Defiant in the Patapsco River, Thursday night.

Coast Guard crews, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and other assisting partner agencies are conducting assessments and investigation aboard the vessel that is currently at anchor in the Baltimore Inner Harbor with a 1,500-foot safety zone in place around the vessel. The nature of the sheen and its cause is unknown at this time.

At approximately 6:24 p.m., Thursday, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Maryland - National Capital Region watchstanders received a report from the Maryland Pilot Dispatch stating an unknown sheen had been observed around the vessel following a propulsion casualty. 

Watchstanders began coordination with state and local partners including MDE and dispatched crews to the scene.

The Coast Guard is conducting oversight and monitoring of the vessel’s pollution response measures to ensure adequate protection of the environment.

Overflights of the area have been conducted with additional overflights scheduled later today, as weather permits.

The cause of the sheen is under investigation.

- USCG -