Oil spill update

Efforts to capture the oil release continue round the clock. As of 14 May, oil ranging from light sheen to heavy concetration was reported throughout the area within the following coordinates: (30º00'N, 89º00'W); (28º30'N, 87º30'W); (27º30'N, 88º30'W); (28º00'N, 89º45'W). Trading vessels are recommended to monitor USCG Urgent Marine Information Broadcast on VHF 22A(157.1 MHZ) and contact their agents to ensure that the relevant approaches are clear and to inquire about locations and procedures for vessel-cleaning stations. Please see below the published trajectory for 14 May 2010.

All ports and waterways in the Morgan City Captain of the Port Zone including port Fourchon are open without restrictions, and it is the intention to facilitate movement of the traffic to the fullest extent possible throughout the oil spill response operation.Vessels are advised to make every effort to avoid pockets of heavy black oil, while ensuring safe navigation. It will greatly reduce the possibility of vessels' hulls decontamination.



The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) is reported to be open to vessels and to be free of restrictions to marine traffic. 


A safety zone is reported to be established near the entrance to the Rigolets (COTP of the port New Orleans) in the vicinity of the CSX Railroad bridge. This safety zone will protect pesonel, deflection booming and Marco V skimmers located in the area by the bridge. All vessels transiting this area are required to maintain slow speed in the vicinity of the booming to maintain a no wake zone.