Diesel fuel discharged Tuesday afternoon from the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw while the ship was taking on fuel in the Detroit River in the vicinity of the Ambassador Bridge, the USCG news release said.
The crew immediately secured the source of fuel and conducted initial clean-up operations onboard. Crewmembers also deployed boom around the fuel to prevent further spread.
Coast Guard Sector Detroit pollution responders currently on scene estimate that 200-300 gallons entered the water.
The Coast Guard has contracted an oil spill removal organization to complete the clean up and has ordered various equipment, to include a vacuum truck and additional boom.
The cause of the discharge is under investigation.
The Mackinaw was cleared to depart the location of the incident due to a necessary ice-breaking operation.
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