Sinking 1955-era Ocean Liner Leaks Fuel And Oil Into California Delta

Sinking ship — Screengrab from YouTube video posted by KCRA 3

Aurora, a 293-foot ocean liner built in 1955, began sinking into the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta on May 22, 2024, resulting in an enormous discharge of diesel fuel and oil into the waterway.

According to San Joaquin County sheriff’s officers, the ship suffered a hole, allowing water to enter and fuel to spill at Empire Tract and Eight Mile roads in the Little Potato Slough region.

Responding quickly, the sheriff’s boating safety team and ground troops attempted to control the spill.

Outside authorities were asked for assistance, such as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Office of Emergency Services, and the US Coast Guard.

Residents and visitors to the region have been asked to exercise caution and avoid the spill site.

The ship’s most recent owner, Chris Wilson, expressed his disappointment via social media.

Video Credits: KCRA 3/YouTube

He added that he had spent 15 years maintaining the Aurora before leaving the project last October for various reasons.

The ship, originally named “Wappen von Hamburg,” was built for cruises but changed hands several times before Wilson bought it from a Craigslist ad.

Heather Brent, a Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, stated that the ship’s ownership was still being investigated, and the primary focus remained on stopping the fuel leak.

Congressman Josh Harder issued a statement noting the incident and underlining the need for effective collaboration between local and federal agencies to contain the spill.

Harder added that they must control the spill and provide cleanup personnel with the necessary supplies as soon as possible.

It’s a rapidly changing environment, and local and federal organisations must collaborate to preserve the waterways.

Reference: abc10, Mercury News

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