Pollution Reports Following Barge Collision with Bridge in Galveston, Texas

A barge collision on the Pelican Island Bridge in Galveston Island has resulted in the closure of the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway and reports of pollution. The incident involved a Martin Petroleum vessel carrying a petroleum base product that collided with the Sea Wolf Parkway Bridge, leading to unconfirmed reports of vacuum gas oil in the water. The Coast Guard and various state and local agencies are responding to the situation, with investigations ongoing to determine the extent of the spill.

As a result of the collision, the waterway has been closed from Mile Marker 350.5 to Mile Marker 357, covering approximately 6.5 miles. While the barge has a capacity of 30,000 gallons, the exact amount of spilled product is still unknown. Power to Pelican Island was briefly disrupted but has since been restored, although vehicular and barge traffic across the bridge has been suspended until further notice. The Texas Department of Transportation is assessing the structural damage to the bridge, while multiple agencies are on the scene to assess the situation and collaborate on the response.

No injuries have been reported from the incident, but authorities are working to contain the pollution and mitigate any environmental impact. The closure of the coastal waterway remains in effect as investigations and cleanup efforts continue. Various agencies including local emergency management offices, law enforcement, and health departments are coordinating their response to ensure the safety of the area and address any potential risks associated with the spill.

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