Coast Guard Investigating Oil Spill In Charleston Harbor

The Coast Guard is investigating reports of an oil spill Tuesday in the mouth of Charleston Harbor, S.C., and surrounding beaches. Several mariners reported an oil sheen and tar balls, emulsified petroleum products, in the mouth of Charleston Harbor, between Fort Moultrie, Morris Island and on both Sullivan’s Island, S.C., and Folly Beach, S.C.

By WJBF Staff
Published: October 21, 2009

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CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Coast Guard is investigating reports of an oil spill Tuesday in the mouth of Charleston Harbor, S.C., and surrounding beaches.

Several mariners reported an oil sheen and tar balls, emulsified petroleum products, in the mouth of Charleston Harbor, between Fort Moultrie, Morris Island and on both Sullivan’s Island, S.C., and Folly Beach, S.C.

An HH-65 Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Facility Charleston and a small boat crew from Aids to Navigation Team Charleston immediately investigated the report, confirming tar balls and a sheen on the water.

The National Parks Service, South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Health and Environmental Control and local municipalities have been notified.

An environmental response company will conduct on-water and shoreline clean-up operations. The Coast Guard deployed shoreline clean-up assessment teams to assist with response.

The source of the spilled petroleum product is unknown.