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Typhoon Dolphin sinks vessel in Guam’s Sasa Bay
SANTA RITA, Guam—The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a diesel fuel spill from a sunken fishing vessel near Paradise Island yesterday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Guam received notification, Saturday, that 50-foot recreational vessel Makena was missing after breaking free of its mooring during Typhoon Dolphin.
The 50-foot recreational vessel Makena, inset, sinks in 15 feet of water with approximately 1,500 gallons of diesel on board. (Contributed Photo)
After conducting a search for the vessel, a diesel sheen was observed north of Polaris Point. Sonar imaging and a dive crew determined the source of the spill to be Makena, which sank in 15 feet of water with approximately 1,500 gallons of diesel on board.
Naval Explosive Ordnance Division and Guam Police Department assisted Sector Guam in identifying the vessel’s location.
Sector Guam established a 50-yard safety zone around the vessel and a broadcast notice to mariners. Any person entering this safety zone, on or below the water’s surface, without the permission of the Captain of the Port is subject to a civil penalty of up to $40,000 and/or criminal penalties of up to $50,000 and up to five years imprisonment, or both.
The Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund has been opened in the amount of $50,000.
Response operations have begun to mitigate the release of diesel fuel and minimize the environmental impact to the surrounding marine habitat. Operations will continue through the week in an effort to remove any pollutants that could harm the environment. (USCG)
