Tanker, two barges collide—462,000 gallons of crude oil spilled

2010-01-26 05:59:32 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - General Litigation, Justice News Flash)

Legal news for Texas attorneys. A tanker crash near Texas dumped crude oil into the ocean.

United States Coast Guard alerts- An Exxon-Mobile tanker crashed with two barges, spilling thousands of gallons of oil into the ocean.

Port Arthur, TX—A tanker and two barges collided near Port Arthur on Saturday, January 23, 2010, dumping around 462,000 gallons of crude oil into the water. Although no injuries were reported, the impact on the environment could be detrimental, as reported by CNN.

The United States Coast Guard reported that the Exxon Mobile-chartered tanker, the 807-foot Eagle Otome, slammed into two barges that were being towed by a tug boat. The tanker was on its way to Exxon’s Beaumont refinery while carrying 570,000 gallons of crude oil when the collision occurred. Investigators are currently trying to determine what caused the collision that sent thousands of gallons of oil into the ocean. A 50-block area around Port Arthur was evacuated as a precautionary measure because the tanker was carrying a type of oil containing sulfide. A total of 15 skimming vessels were deployed to collect the oil and drop over 45,000 feet of boom, which is like fencing-type material that keeps the oil from spreading. Over 500 people contributed to the clean-up efforts. Petty Officer Larry Chambers told CNN that “The port is primarily for industrial use, but it is not far from wetlands. None of the nearby marshes or sensitive wildlife were adversely affected… but one heron was ‘oiled.’ The bird was alive and undergoing treatment.” A full investigation into the crash is undergoing.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Texas lawyers.