VICKIE GATES

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Tug caused oil spill

The Coast Guard was overseeing the cleanup of 500 gallons of diesel on Dec 2, 2013 that spilled from the "Vickie Gatges" in the Brownsville Ship Channel near the turning basin. At approximately 3 a.m. on Dec 1 day morning, the Coast Guard received a report that an unknown amount of petroleum product had leaked near the turning basin. A Coast Guard pollution investigator determined that the tug "Vickie Gates" had spilled an estimated 500 gallons of Red-Dye Diesel while conducting an internal transfer. The Coast Guard responded to assist with containing the pollution. The "Vickie Gates" has accepted responsibility for the spill and has contracted an oil spill response team to clean up the diesel. Texas General Land Office and the Coast Guard have personnel on scene. Sector Corpus Christi deployed pollution investigators and monitored clean-up efforts by air using an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and HU-25 Falcon jet.