SAN FRANCISCO— A crude oil tanker leaked over five gallons of lube oil into the San Francisco Bay on Saturday, July 26.   The Coast Guard oversaw the complete removal of the oil.

The oil is reported to have been emitted from the engine of the tanker, the “Abul Kalam Azad,” which was based out of India and traveling from the Tesoro Refinery in Martinez.   Thankfully the captain of the vessel was aware of the spill and notified the coast guard at 7:30 a.m.  

As reported by the Coast Guard in an official press release, “They reported experiencing a malfunction with the salt water cooling system to their main diesel engine, and that they believed lube oil had contaminated the salt water discharge and entered the water. The crew immediately shut down this equipment to prevent the further release of oil into the water.” 

The oil expanded around the ship with a 500 yard sheen in the area west of Treasure Island.

Officials were able to notify all surrounding personal and contain the spill.   Responding to the scene was the 87 foot Patrol Boat “Hawksbill,” which was responsible for enforcing a safety zone around the vessel, the National Response Corporation and the HH-65 “Dolphin” Helicopter was also present surveying the scene.  Also notified were the California Department of Fish and Game, Office of Oil Spill Prevention and Response, and the California Office of Emergency Services.

By 12:40 p.m., the vessel was secured and the cleanup completed. The exterior of the vessel was not harmed in anyway. Officials determined the spill occurred due to malfunctioning engine equipment and that the oil contaminated the cooling water system prior to leakage, though they are unsure of how.

According to Bay Area officials, the National Response Corporation continued to survey the water around the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Marin County hours after the incident.  

Guard Marine Inspectors boarded the ship and are coordinating with the crew to implement repairs to the engine.

“The tank vessel will remain at anchor in the Bay until repairs are made to Coast Guard satisfaction,” said the SF Coast Guard.

The vessel is now docked near Treasure Island to fix the broken engine equipment.