Pollution Control Efforts at Point Reyes Fishing Vessel Incident
Ashton Routhier
Unified Command Responds to Vessel Grounding
A Unified Command was quickly established to handle the incident, comprising representatives from the USCG, NOAA, National Park Service-Point Reyes National Seashore, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and Marin County Office of Emergency Management. Their primary objectives were to assess the vessel's status and evaluate potential pollution risks.
Challenges in Accessing the Grounding Site
The grounding occurred against a steep, rocky coastal terrain, making access by land or water extremely challenging. Safe weather and tidal conditions were necessary for conducting assessments. The risk of the vessel breaking apart before pollution could be mitigated was a significant concern. NOAA provided crucial information on oil fate and transport to inform the USCG about potential risks to local sensitive areas.
Drone Overflight and Assessment
A drone equipped with infrared technology was used to assess the damage. The vessel had suffered significant damage, and it was reported to have a maximum fuel capacity of 400 gallons. However, intelligence suggested that the actual fuel volume was minimal at the time of grounding. No oil sheen was observed, and there were no reports of oiled wildlife.
Suspension of Pollution Removal Operations
Due to the hazardous conditions, accessing the vessel required helicopter operations, which posed high risks to worker safety and potentially disrupted sensitive nesting birds in the area. Considering these factors, and the low likelihood of recoverable fuel remaining onboard, the Unified Command decided to suspend pollution removal planning. Subsequently, the vessel broke apart within days, with no sheen observed, leading the USCG to close the case.
Environmental Impact and Ongoing Monitoring
Despite the vessel's breakup, ongoing monitoring was essential to ensure no delayed environmental impact. The collaborative response highlighted the importance of swift, coordinated action in maritime incidents to mitigate potential environmental hazards and safeguard sensitive coastal areas.
What Caused the Fishing Vessel Westerly to Ground at Point Reyes?
The grounding of the fishing vessel Westerly at Point Reyes is currently under investigation. Preliminary factors suggest that environmental conditions and navigational challenges in the area likely played a significant role. The region is known for its treacherous waters and unpredictable weather patterns, which can complicate navigation even for experienced crews. Further investigation will aim to pinpoint the exact combination of elements that led to this incident.
Why Were Pollution Removal Operations Suspended?
Pollution removal operations were suspended due to several high-risk factors. Firstly, helicopter access, which was necessary for the removal operations, posed significant risks. Additionally, there were concerns about disturbing sensitive nesting birds in the area. Lastly, it was determined that there was a low likelihood of recoverable fuel onboard, further reducing the necessity and potential benefits of the operations.
Conclusion
The grounding of the fishing vessel Westerly at Point Reyes is thought to have been caused by challenging environmental conditions and navigational difficulties in the area, though the exact cause is still under investigation. Fortunately, no pollution was observed, indicating minimal environmental impact due to effective containment measures or the lack of hazardous materials onboard.
Pollution removal operations were suspended due to high risks associated with helicopter access, potential disturbance to sensitive nesting birds, and the low likelihood of recoverable fuel onboard.
This incident underscores the complexities of managing maritime accidents in ecologically sensitive areas while balancing safety and environmental concerns.
Source: https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/incident/10765