BRUNSWICK, Ga. — The St. Simons Sound Incident Unified Command released an update Saturday that it has observed discharge from the capsized cargo ship that have had shoreline impacts with varying degrees of oil and sheen in marshes.
Officials are reminding the public not to touch any oil and report any sightings to 800-424-8802.
Any wildlife that has come in contact with oil needs to be reported to 800-261-0980
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Port of Brunswick is back open for business after four days at a standstill due to a capsized cargo ship.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp made the announcement in Savannah during his State of the Ports address.
TRENDING:
- Boost Mobile employees arrested after selling meth, heroin at Middleburg store, CCSO says
- Clay County woman recovering from vaping lung disease speaks out about e-cigarette dangers
- Pastor and mental health advocate Jarrid Wilson dies of apparent suicide
- Jacksonville doctor recruits more doctors, nurses to go back to help those in need in Bahamas
- Missing New Mexico girl Renezmae Calzada found dead after 3-day search, police say
But that doesn't mean it's business as usual. Ships are being allowed in on a case-by-case basis.
Thursday morning, seven ships were waiting at the mouth of the St. Simons Sound. By Thursday afternoon, two could navigate through the channel and two more expected to get the go-ahead after that.
In a news conference, the Coast Guard said it would allow another three to come in Friday and that should clear the seven-ship backlog.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard said the goal is to keep the capsized ship, Golden Ray, intact as crews works to remove it from the channel.
Related: Spilled fuel from capsized cargo ship threatens St. Simons Island ecosystem | Glynn County locals in disbelief over overturned cargo ship | GEORGIA GOVERNOR: Port of Brunswick "back open for business" after cargo ship capsized Sunday
The Themis was the first ship allowed in Thursday after a four-day shut down due to the capsizing. The Clover Ace followed.
Many people gathered at the St. Simons pier to take photos of the Themis as it navigated through. It was the sight of progress.
"We see these ships coming in all the time, day after day, we know that people have to be hurting when the ships weren't coming in anymore," said Joy Cook. "We hoped it would make it through without hitting anything."
The vessel made it safely past the Golden Ray under the watchful eye of a Coast Guard helicopter and marine units.
As for what will happen with the capsized vessel that is still blocking a vital shipping lane, the Coast Guard said in a news conference today that the plans are still being developed.
The good news is crews were able to seal off three fuel vents.
There are 300,000 gallons of fuel on the ship, the Coast Guard said some of that may be pumped or they may decide to leave it full.
The plan evolves day by day depending on what the best option is.
The Coast Guard is getting help from the National Transportation Safety Board. The NTSB's role will be to examine and document the vessel and gather as much physical evidence that can help the Coast Guard's investigation.
The NTSB does not plan to put out its own report.
STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories
Cox Media Group
