EPA received notification from Sector Houston-Galveston about a collision in the upper Houston Ship Channel (Morgan Point area) that occurred at 1247 CT. The 600 ft M/V Carla Maersk was loaded with 216,000 barrels of MTBE and reported three cargo tanks potentially breeched and leaking (unknown quantity released). The 623 ft M/V Conti Peridot is a bulk carrier (steel cargo), damage unknown but no discharge. No injuries reported. Fog is impacting the ability to conduct overflight and USCG will arrange once weather permits. The incident is in USCG jurisdiction. An EPA team was activated to provide air monitoring and other support as needed. An OSC is ready to mobilize if needed.
The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a go-team to investigate today’s accident in the Houston Ship Channel involving the bulk carrier MV Conti Peridot and the tanker Carla Maersk.
NTSB Marine Safety Investigator Eric Stolzenberg is leading the team as investigator-in-charge. NTSB Board Member Earl Weener is accompanying the team and will serve as the principal spokesman during the on-scene phase of the investigation.
Public Affairs Officer Terry Williams will also be on-scene in Houston, TX to coordinate media-related activities. He can be reached at terry.williams@ntsb.gov or by mobile phone at (202)557-1350. The team is expected to arrive in Houston tomorrow morning.
