5,000 litres of diesel fuel spilled in False Creek

Dec 19 2017, 11:40 pm

There has been a fuel spill in the waters of False Creek near Granville Island early this morning.

The Canadian Coast Guard, along with West Coast Marine Response Corporation, Vancouver Fire Rescue, Vancouver Police are at the scene of the incident. Officials believe as much as 1,000 litres of diesel fuel has been spilled.

A 1,000-foot-long boom has been deployed in the waters to contain the spill. The spill is considered contained.

According to Vancouver Police, the seawall has been shut down from Granville Street to 1500 West 1st Avenue. Boats are also advised to stay away from the area.

The City of Vancouver has advised residents in the area to close windows and turn off air conditioning units if they smell diesel.

Unlike heavy bunker fuel oils, gasoline and diesel are easily biodegradable and rarely persist in marine environments.

UPDATE: Officials estimate as much as 5,000 litres of diesel fuel may have been spilled. A small fishing vessel was likely responsible.

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

+ News
ADVERTISEMENT