Source:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Country:
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
January 16, Galapagos Islands. The
tanker Jessica ran aground just offshore of San Cristobal Island. By January
20, it had begun leaking its cargo of 170,000 gallons of diesel fuel and
60,000 gallons of intermediate fuel oil. At the request of the Ecuador
government, the National Ocean Service sent a spill response team to assist.
NOS will provide environmental protection and cleanup recommendations.
A NOS Scientific Support Coordinator arrived on San Cristobal in the USCG
C-130 aircraft on January 21. He was joined by a second NOAA Scientific
Support Coordinator on January 24. They are working with scientists and
responders from the National Park Service to help minimize the spill's
effects. NOS' Hazardous Materials Response Division is providing the U.S.
team with oil spill forecasts with weather support from the National Weather
Service.
