Environmental Impact
Oil Spill Details
The collision resulted in an oil spill in the bay. The barge, owned by Martin Petroleum, has a 30,000-gallon capacity, though the exact amount of leaked oil is unknown. Vacuum gas oil, a mixture of hydrocarbons and fuel additives, was confirmed to have leaked into the water. The spill led to the closure of approximately 6.5 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway.
U.S. Coast Guard Actions
The U.S. Coast Guard is assessing the extent of the oil spill and initiating containment and cleanup efforts. The city confirmed that the Coast Guard is leading the response to mitigate the environmental impact.
Community Impact
Resident Evacuation
The collision significantly affected residents on Pelican Island, as the bridge is the only access route. Judge Henry estimated about 200 residents live on the island, including those in Texas A&M University at Galveston dorms. Authorities allowed residents to leave but restricted re-entry until further notice.
Conclusion
The barge collision with the Pelican Island bridge has caused significant disruption, including an oil spill and restricted access for residents. Emergency response teams and the U.S. Coast Guard are actively addressing the situation, with ongoing assessments and cleanup efforts underway.
