Vessel Accident Causes Oil Spill near Port Arthur

Clean up efforts are underway after a vessel collision caused an oil spill near Port Arthur, Texas.

The U.S. Coast Guard said an estimated 13,272 gallons of marine diesel fuel was discharged after an accident involving the towing vessel Savage Pathfinder and the motor vessel Endurance on Wednesday evening. No injuries were reported.

Containment boom was placed around the vessel, and the source of the leak has been secured, the Coast Guard said.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur and Texas General Land Office personnel are involved in the investigation and response efforts.

"We are working with TGLO, the responsible party and all maritime stakeholders to minimize impact as quickly as possible," said Capt. Jackie Twomey, federal on scene coordinator and commanding officer of MSU Port Arthur.

An urgent marine information broadcast has been sent cautioning mariners transiting around Texaco Point and Port Arthur.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.