Oil Spill Reported at Port Arthur after Fuel Barge Hits ARC RoRo

An oil spill has been reported following a collision between U.S.-flagged RoRo vessel Endurance and Savage Pathfinder, a towing vessel, at Dock 4 near Port Arthur, Texas, on August 30.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) said that 13,272 gallons of marine diesel fuel was discharged.

As informed, the source of the leak has been secured. There were no reported injuries as a result of the incident.

Endurance, built in 1996, is part of American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier’s (ARC) fleet.

“On Thursday, August 30, at 3:56 p.m. local time, while moored alongside pier number 4 at Port Arthur, Texas, ARC’s M/V Endurance was struck by a fuel barge preparing to refuel the vessel. An unknown quantity of fuel was spilled by the barge into the water,” ARC Spokesperson told World Maritime News in a statement.

“ARC has made all the proper notifications to the relevant authorities and will have further updates as the situation evolves.”

According to ARC, there was no injury to the crew or structural damage to Endurance.

“Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur and Texas General Land Office (TGLO) personnel were dispatched to the scene to investigate and respond to the spill. Containment boom was placed around the vessel. Crews continue recovery efforts Thursday,” the coast guard said.

An urgent marine information broadcast has been sent cautioning mariners transiting around Texaco Point and Port Arthur.

The cause of the incident is said to be under investigation.