Date: 9.30.19
Contact: Joint Information Center (912) 944-7122
The St. Simons Sound Incident Unified Command (UC) is responding to a pollution discharge by the Motor Vessel Golden Ray on Monday afternoon. Divers are working to locate and secure the source of the discharge while skimming vessels are recovering oil from the water. Survey teams are monitoring for any shoreline impacts. The UC has containment boom deployed to protect sensitive areas and cleanup personnel and equipment are strategically staged and ready to respond to any impacted shoreline.
“The Unified Command has maintained a posture to be able to rapidly respond to any discharges from the vessel, including by skimming, booming, and shoreline cleanup,” said Chris Graff of Gallagher Marine Systems. “We’re now using these preparations to implement a rapid and thorough cleanup of impacted areas.”
Specialists continue to actively monitor air and water quality around the vessel, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website or call (844) 863-0325 for public health information and advisories.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The UC is working with local stakeholder groups to track and evaluate reported sightings of oil. Members of the public should not touch oil or attempt to rescue oiled birds or wildlife. They should instead report any sightings of oil to (800) 424-8802 and report any oiled wildlife to (800) 261-0980.
ECONOMIC
A claims number has been established for those affected by the incident (888) 850-8486.
Unified Command skimmers respond to a fuel discharge by the capsized M/V Golden Ray on Sept. 30, 2019. Assets are responding to any discharges and limiting potential shoreline impacts.
A response boat uses absorbent boom to remove an oil sheen near the capsized M/V Golden Ray on Sept. 30, 2019. Safety of responders and the public and protection of the environment are the top priorities for the Unified Command.
Containment boom placed at the capsized M/V Golden Ray. Unified Command has deployed more than 5,300 feet of protective boom to limit the impact of discharged fuel on sensitive areas.
Unified Command vessels respond to a fuel discharge by the MV Golden Ray on Sept. 30, 2019. Multiple containment and recovery methods are being utilized to ensure the protection of the public and the environment.