Response Underway for Bunker Fuel Spill in Vancouver’s English Bay

Photo: Vancouver Police Department Marine Unit.

The Canadian Coast and local authorities are responding to a bunker fuel spill in Vancouver’s English Bay.

Just after 5 p.m. Wednesday, Port Metro Vancouver’s Operations Centre received multiple reports of an oily sheen on the water in English Bay. The substance was confirmed Wednesday as heavy bunker fuel.

The spill is believed to have originated from one of the cargo ships in the area, although its exact source remains unclear.

The Canadian Coast Guard is working with West Coast Marine Response Corporation to contain and recover substance. The City of Vancouver, Vancouver Police Department and Transport Canada are also responding to the scene.

Vancouver Fire Department reported that 2,600 feet of boom have been deployed so far.

Aerial photos of the area show the oil sheen covering a wide area where multiple ships are anchored, and near shore. Officials have warned boaters, watercraft and people on shore to not touch the substance as it is toxic.

Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada spill response procedures have been in place to manage situation.

It appears fuel may be leaking from one of the cargo ships anchored in English Bay. Still unconfirmed @News1130radio pic.twitter.com/g8P1ehP0UY

— Chad Dey (@chad_dey) April 9, 2015

“Minor” oil spill at #EnglishBay http://t.co/Un2FSFPzmm #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/Q5vcmjcarC via @News1130radio — Alex Pope (@mapleridgealex) April 9, 2015