RMG to Assess Ship Wreck Leaking Oil Off NY

The U.S. Coast Guard has contracted Resolve Marine Group to conduct a full assessment of oil remaining on the Coimbra wreck, located approximately 30 miles southeast of Shinnecock, N.Y. If substantial oil still remains, and if feasible, the Coast Guard will work with Resolve Marine Group to remove oil from the wreck in order to reduce pollution risks to the environment.

The operation is scheduled to take place from April 28th to May 30th. The initial evaluation will assess the condition of the tanker and what potential environmental impact still exists. Based on the assessment, possible oil removal operations will take place.

During the operation, boaters are requested to keep a safe distance of 500 yards from the dive operation.

“We have assembled a team including members of the Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team, New York Department of Environmental Conservation, Coast Guard District One Response Advisory Team, Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Environmental Management, and Coast Guard Salvage Engineering Response Team to provide consultation for this assessment,” said Capt. Kevin Reed, commander Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. “This assessment will help determine, and possibly remove any potential environmental threat the tanker poses. Our top priorities are safety of the public and protection of the marine environment.”

The Coimbra was a supply ship owned by Great Britain when the ship was sunk off the coast of Long Island, during World War II by a German U-boat.