Update: Istra Ace Safety Zone Removed, Channel Open to Vessel Traffic

The U.S. Coast Guard has removed safety zone restricting all vessel traffic in the affected area due to the oil spill from the 577-foot cargo ship Istra Ace. 

With the restriction for recreational and commercial vessels removed on Thursday, the channel is now open.

In addition, the clean-up efforts conducted by the responsible party continue in the affected area.

Members of the Coast Guard and California Fish and Wildlife are overseeing all response efforts. The two teams have reported observations of potentially-oiled birds and remain engaged in wildlife recovery.

The Lost Angeles Port Police and Los Angeles City Fire are assisting in monitoring the area.

The car carrier, owned by the Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), was found to be leaking heavy fuel in the Cerritos channel at Berth 198 on Sunday. A subsequent investigation revealed faulty piping that may have allowed oil to leak from the starboard side of the ship.