SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and salvage partners are working to contain a diesel spill that occurred in Salmon Bay near the Ballard Locks Saturday afternoon.
USCG tweeted about the incident shortly after 2 p.m.
The Captain of the Port had initially set up a safety zone in the area of the spill, but later disbanded it around 3:30 p.m. after a containment boom was deployed.
The Washington Department of Ecology (WSDOE) said there is extensive sheen on the bay from the spill, which was caused by a fuel transfer on a 65-foot recreational boat.
During the transfer, a tank overfilled and fuel spilled from a vent. As of Saturday evening, the spill was estimated at 100 gallons.
WSDOE said an oiled bird was found near the scene and taken to a wildlife rescue.
As of 7:30 p.m., no additional wildlife was found affected by the spill. Much of the diesel sheen was captured during the da, but absorbents are being left overnight, according to WSDOE.
Anyone who spots birds or any other wildlife affected by the spill should not try to capture them. Instead, they are urged to call 1-800-222-4737.
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