Oil Spill Update

The Unified Command for the Cosco Busan incident response held a press conference to give updates on the oil spill clean-up efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game and the Responsible Party are in full cooperation as the Unified Command and met with San Francisco city officials to discuss concerns related to volunteers and the use of city resources. The following updated information has become available: 73 live, oiled birds are being rehabilitated; there have been 19 confirmed deceased birds reported; 11 skimmers are currently deployed on the water; 10 wildlife recovery teams are on the beaches with additional teams joining Friday afternoon; over 9,500 gallons of fuel oil have been recovered; over 18,000 feet of boom has been placed around the area to soak up and corral the oil; more than 200 people from over 19 federal, state, and local agencies are involved with the response efforts. There will be an additional 200 trained responders to supplement the initial response team. The public is reminded that they should avoid areas and wildlife that are oiled, as untrained persons may cause further damage, while attempting to assist.