LOS ANGELES – Pollution investigators from the US Coast Guard and California Department of Fish and Game Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) are currently responding to an oil spill at berth 121 in the Port of Los Angeles. The Captain of the Port has established a safety zone in the harbor from berths 120 to berth 147 that is marked by oil spill containment boom. Mariners are advised to avoid this area and use caution when transiting in the vicinity.
The Coast Guard received the report of an oil sheen at 4:28 pm. Pollution investigators from the Coast Guard and OSPR responded. The suspected source of the discharge has been identified as the container ship Ville D’Aquarius.
The vessel owners are cooperating fully with authorities and they have hired oil spill response contractors to contain and recover the oil.
An estimated 200 gallons of oil have been spilled. The cause of the discharge is currently under investigation.
