Cleanup underway after vessel sinks near St. Petersburg
The U.S. Coast Guard said it is monitoring the cleanup efforts for a commercial shrimping vessel that sank outside the entrance to Tampa Bay Friday, spilling 'small amounts' of diesel fuel.
The 33-foot vessel Rodac sank at the entrance to John's Pass Friday night. The Coast Guard said the shrimper was believed to have about 200 gallons of diesel fuel onboard. Although there was some leakage, there was not a significant amount released into the surrounding waters. A salvage vessel laid absorbent and hard boom around the vessel to contain spilled fuel.
The Rodac is about 15 feet off the shore of Madeira Beach, and the Coast Guard said state and federal agencies were still consulting to determine the best course of action for completing the cleanup.
The cause of the sinking has not been determined and none of the three crew members were injured.
Cleanup underway after vessel sinks near St. Petersburg
