Date: April 8, 2011 Time: 4:30 p.m.
Media Contacts: Erik Swanson, U.S. Coast Guard, (510) 289-5794
Carol Singleton, California Dept. of Fish and Game, (916) 539-6124
Crescent City Tsunami Response Update #25
Location: Crescent City Inner Basin Harbor, Crescent City, California
Cause: Tsunami following 9.0 earthquake in Japan (March 11)
Operational Update:
• Wednesday, divers performed underwater assessments of the remaining three sunken vessels posing a pollution threat, the Cyrano IV, Nellie and the Ge Ge. Divers reported the vessels had sustained too much damage to be saved, and the determination was made that all three vessels would have to be removed using the clamshell. Approximately 175 gallons of diesel fuel was then pumped from the port diesel tank of the Cyrano IV.
Thursday, crews pumped approximately 35 gallons of fuel from the starboard diesel tank of the Cyrano IV. In order to access the fuel tanks of the vessel Ge Ge, divers cut and removed piling B-4 at the mud line. The Cyrano IV was then moved to a location where its remains could be removed from the inner boat basin and oily debris could be disposed of.
Today, crews removed and disposed of the oiled remains of the Cyrano IV and fishing vessel Nellie. Responders plan to remove the final vessel, Ge Ge, this weekend, after all petroleum products have been pumped off the vessel.
• The Unified Command's primary goal is to complete pollution mitigation operations as quickly and safely as possible so Crescent City can begin restoring its harbor.
• The current federal project ceiling from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund is $3.1 million for pollution mitigation at the Crescent City Harbor. The project budget can be adjusted as needed.
• The Unified Command is working with more than a dozen local businesses, including commercial divers, restaurants and hotels, and remains committed to using local resources whenever possible.
• There are 36 personnel participating in the response effort. This includes U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Fish and Game and contractors.
• Commercial fishermen with questions about their permits and fees should call the Department of Fish and Game’s License and Revenue Branch at 916-928-7470.
Closures or restrictions:
• During crane operations, access will be limited to portions of “A” dock as a safety precaution.
• Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., C, D, E, and F docks are open to owners of vessels within the boomed off area. Vessel owners should contact Coast Guard Auxiliary members at the Harbor Office to schedule vessel access. For emergencies only, owners wishing to access their vessels outside of that time frame may contact the Coast Guard. Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Personal flotation devices are required on all docks.
• Harbor is closed to the public at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., until further notice.
• Safety zone is in place for the inner boat basin only. The harbor is now open to vessel traffic.
Harbor operations:
Wildlife: There have been no reports of oiled wildlife. Monitoring is ongoing.
Crews deployed: U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), Harbor District personnel and oil spill response organizations.
Information numbers:
Crescent City Harbormaster’s Office: 707-464-6174 ext. 22
Report oil: 1-800-852-7550
Report injured wildlife: 1-877-823-6926
DFG’s License and Revenue Branch: 916-928-7470
Media Alert: Media interested in viewing operations should coordinate access with the Joint Information Center at (510) 289-5794. Safety procedures will be strictly enforced, so media personnel are encouraged to bring U.S. Coast Guard- certified lifejackets and hard hats, which are required to enter the operational area. The Crescent City Tsunami Responders have limited safety gear to offer interested attendees.
printer friendly