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Press Release | April 29, 2025

UPDATE 2: Unified Command continues response to release near Garden Island Bay, LA

U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Office: well59response@gmail.com

An overflight displays the affected area of marsh environment near Garden Island Bay, Louisiana on April 29, 2025. A safety zone has been enacted in the area and boom has been placed to contain the released product. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo) An overflight displays the affected area of marsh environment near Garden Island Bay, Louisiana on April 29, 2025. A safety zone has been enacted in the area and boom has been placed to contain the released product. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo) An overflight displays the affected area of marsh environment near Garden Island Bay, Louisiana on April 29, 2025. A safety zone has been enacted in the area and boom has been placed to contain the released product. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)

Editor's Note: Click here to download high-resolution version.

NEW ORLEANS — The Unified Command, consisting of the Coast Guard, Spectrum OpCo, LLC (Operator), and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office (LOSCO), continue to respond to mitigate public safety and environmental threats from an oil and natural gas release in coastal Louisiana.

As of 11:00 a.m., the Unified Command has more than 150 responders supporting response efforts. This includes the deployment of 6 MARCO skimmers, 4 drum skimmers, and a variety of recovery storage equipment. Boom deployment continues, with 7,800 feet of 18” containment boom already in place, 2,000 feet enroute, and 6,400 feet on standby. Responders have also deployed 382 bales of absorbent boom to protect nearby islands. To date, Oil Spill Removal Organizations have recovered an approximate total of 9,492 gallons of oily liquids.

Flow rate and current amount discharged are still unknown at this time. A well control contractor is on-scene and conducting source intervention and control operations. Aerial surveys are ongoing through both drone and helicopter overflights, and air monitoring has not indicated any immediate concerns in the response area. Additionally, for safety purposes, a temporary flight restriction has been put in place for a two-mile radius up to 2,000 feet.

There have been no reports or observations of impacted wildlife. Mariners are encouraged to report any observations of oil to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802 and any observation of impacted wildlife to Wildlife Hotline Phone Number at 832-514-9663.

Coordinating agencies and response stakeholders include:

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA)
  • Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
  • Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
  • Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ)
  • Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR)
  • Plaquemines Parish Government
  • Forefront Emergency Management (FEM)
  • Environmental Safety & Health Consulting Services Inc. (ES&H)
  • Clean Gulf Associates (CGA)

The cause of the incident is under investigation. 

Media should direct inquiries to well59response@gmail.com. 

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-USCG-

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