SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard Sector San Juan Incident Management Division environmental response personnel are investigating a mystery sheen on Sun Bay Beach shoreline in Vieques, Friday afternoon.
Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan received a report from Emergency Medical Service personnel in Vieques, who reported a strong diesel odor and visible sheen extending approximately a mile along the shoreline of Sun Bay Beach. The reporting source also stated that a person in the water had been exposed to the unknown substance and was receiving medical assistance.
Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector San Juan directed the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, who embarked an environmental response investigator, to conduct an overflight and shoreline assessment of the affected area for the purpose of determining response actions and possible sources. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel and Vieques Municipal Office of Emergency Management personnel also responded and conducted shoreline assessment efforts.
“We are investigating a release of an undetermined amount of fuel with diesel characteristics,” said Chief Warrant Officer Jamie Testa, Coast Guard Sector San Juan Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the case. “Our top priority is to protect public health and the marine environment as we coordinate resources to contain and remove any recoverable material. We continue our investigation into a potential source and urge any beachgoers to stay out of the water and follow directions from local emergency response personnel on scene. Any visible rainbow sheening is an indication that there is product in the water and that it is unsafe.”
Coast Guard environmental response investigators will be conducting a first light inspection of the area, Saturday, and coordinating any further response efforts with local authorities.