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Case: Tank Barge DBL
152, Federal Waters of the Gulf of Mexico
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Date of incident: November 11, 2005.
Location:
Federal Waters, Gulf of Mexico.
Trustees:
Case status: Injury Assessment Phase
Overview:
On November 11, 2005, while enroute from Houston, Texas to Tampa, Florida, the
integrated tug barge unit comprised of the tugboat "Rebel" and the double-hull
Tank Barge DBL 152 collided with the submerged remains of a pipeline service
platform that collapsed during Hurricane Rita. As a result of the
incident, an estimated 1,925,532 gallons were discharged into federal
waters of the Gulf of Mexico, West Cameron Block 229. The majority of the
released oil was more dense than sea water and it sank to the seafloor. While
the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, state response agencies, and the responsible party
worked to contain and clean up the oil, NOAA, as the sole natural resource
trustee, initiated pre-assessment activities, which are currently underway.
NOAA has a long history of addressing discharges of oil in the Gulf of Mexico
and restoration options are available. NOAA is working cooperatively with the
Responsible Party during assessment activities. The extent and severity of
contamination and its effect on natural resources and their services will
determine the amount and type of restoration needed to address any associated
injuries.
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