The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Alder caused an oil spill 30 miles off the coast near Fort Bragg, California, when it inadvertently released 500 gallons of diesel fuel on Friday.
The Alder, used to replace buoys, was headed for Humboldt Bay, California, at the time of the discharge.
The Coast Guard told the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services that the spill occurred due to operator error, with the cutter’s fuel feed pump not turned off properly. Diesel fuel flowed from the ship from midnight until 1:24 a.m. Friday, per the agency’s report.
California officials estimated that the fuel spill covering 2.5 to 3.5 miles evaporated in 18 to 21 hours.
Officials are working to figure out any environmental ramifications from the oil spill. The Fort Bragg shoreline is not expected to be affected, the Coast Guard said.
“We are investigating the incident and are working diligently to minimize any potential environmental impacts,” Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander of the 11th Coast Guard District, said.