Update: Spill Response Continues in Miami

U.S. Coast Guard crewmembers are responding to a fuel spill in the vicinity of Government Cut in Miami Wednesday, following a leak discovered aboard the 95-foot tug Neptune Tuesday night.

Upon further investigation, it has been determined that an estimated 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel have entered the water.

A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Miami is conducting an overflight to monitor the progression of diesel fuel in the water.

Coast Guard shoreline cleanup assessment teams have been deployed to local areas that may be impacted to monitor possible shoreline pollution and commence cleanup efforts if necessary.

As of 9:30 a.m. 950 feet of sorbent boom have been deployed by cleanup crews to contain pollution and minimize local impact. Crews are preparing to deploy more boom to protect environmentally sensitive areas near the incident.

The ruptured fuel tank has been patched and no more fuel is leaking from the vessel at this time. The vessel is safely moored at Dodge Island.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Miami first received a report from the Tug Neptune that a fuel tank holding approximately 7,800 gallons of diesel fuel aboard the vessel had leaked. The initial report was an estimated 100 gallons of fuel had leaked into the water Tuesday night.

An aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami is on scene alongside a crew from Coast Guard Station Miami Beach, Fla., and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

uscgnews.com