The Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Marin County Office of Emergency Services and Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary continue to respond as a unified command to a grounded vessel along the shoreline north of Dillon Beach.
Initial reports were received by Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders at 8:45 am Friday, March 5, about the 90-foot vessel the American Challenger being towed southward by the Tug Hunter from Puget Sound, Washington, when the Tug Hunter lost propulsion due to a rope entangling the propeller. At 1:00 am, March 6, the vessel grounded on a rocky shoreline near Dillon Beach where it remains.
An investigation is underway to determine the amount of fuel aboard the American Challenger. Overflights have observed a small amount of motor oil in vicinity of the vessel but there is no extensive sheen coming from the vessel. Teams will conduct cleanup operations if recoverable.
Salvage crews assessed the vessel American Challenger with drones and developed a plan to access the vessel via helicopter to assess damage and quantify petroleum potential on vessel.
Environmental shoreline assessment teams conducted surveys in the area and reported some oil contamination on the beach in the vicinity of the vessel. Teams will respond to the area.
As a precautionary measure, 4,000 feet of boom was deployed to protect sensitive habitat, including oyster beds, in Tomales Bay. Additional booming will be deployed tomorrow.
Of the deployed boom, there will be a 100 foot gap for recreational boaters to transit at the deepest point of the channel south and east of Hog Island. If there is a threat to the oyster bed, the gap will be closed. USCG is broadcasting a Safety Marine Information Bulletin (SMIB) to inform public of protection operations in Tomales Bay.
All area beaches remain open, however Miller Boat Launch is temporarily closed to support response operations.
There have been no confirmed reports of oiled wildlife.
If oiled wildlife is seen, the public is asked not to approach the animal and instead call the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at 1-877-823-6926.
There are no impacts to commercial traffic or scheduled marine events at this time.
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