Oil Spill Plagues Houston Ship Channel

HOUSTON (AP) _ A Coast Guard official says crews are working to clean up a 10,500-gallon oil spill that has closed traffic along three miles of the northern point of the Houston Ship Channel.

Chief Petty Officer Mark Mackowiak says the 458-foot tank vessel Chemical Supplier was trying to make a turn Friday night when it struck Buffalo Barge No. 251 close to Brady’s Island near the I-610 bridge. No injuries were reported. The motor vessel received a 2-foot by 4-foot gash in one of its fuel tanks.

Mackowiak says a team is working to create a traffic flow system but he’s unsure when traffic will resume. He says at least nine ships are waiting to come into the area.

At least 130 personnel have been involved in cleaning up the oil spill.

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