LA/LB Area Committee July 2013 – Sep 2013 RRT9 Briefing

Op Mystery Sheen 19AUG-20SEP 2013  Annual operation documenting sources and sheens located in Marina Del Rey and Cabrillo Marina.  Gave the Coast Guard and Other Government Agencies a better idea of which basins and berths to patrol.  Auxiliary participation, CG presence and support from the marinas also played key roles in the mission’s success.  Purpose is to increase officer presence at beginning of summer season in an attempt to increase boater awareness.  2 Mystery Sheens detected that led to a source; 1 of which became a federalized case due to vicinity of Class A Sensitive Site. X

Panga lands at Crystal Cove State Beach. Red Dye Diesel in containers found within the panga. CBP, USCG and State work together.

Case of Interest Warning in lieu of Civil Penalty was issued Sunken 37’ fiberglass sail vsl at Long Beach Shoreline Marina. Light sheen surrounding the vsl. During raising operations a lift bag failed, causing the vessel to sink rapidly. Raising operations resumed and a second lift bag shifted causing the vsl to descend rapidly, again. Raising operations were successfully completed the following day.

Future Operations: Derelict Vsl Operation Mid-November through Mid-December 2013  Annual operation documenting derelict vessels throughout the AOR prior to heavy weather season.  Attempt to contact owners to make them aware of status of their vessel and the potential environmental threat it may pose.  Hope to work with local Marinas, State and Auxiliary.  Future cases of sunken vsls and sometimes vsl adrift SAR cases are cross checked against documented list generated from this operation.