The United States Coast Guard continues to monitor the spill in the Houston Ship channel and reports that contrary to earlier reports, 69,000 feet of containment boom has been deployed, rather than earlier reports of 90,000 feet of boom deployment.

The Coast Guard reports that 69,000 feet of boom has been deployed in the oil spill incident that has halted traffic in the Houston Ship Channel, and also state that an additional 141,000 feet of boom is at the ready if needed.

They also state that 24 vessels are skimming oil from the affected area, and all oil has been transferred from the damaged vessel. They also report that the vessel, that was partially submerged, has now been moved to a safer location where further assessment and repairs can be carried out.

Because of currents, winds and other weather conditions, the Coast Guard has further extended containment and oil recovery plans further into the Gulf. and south along Galveston Island.

Traffic has been curtailed to the lighted buoy number 3 in the Houston Ship Channel and sea traffic is not allowed within that area.

Air quality continues to be monitored, but readings show no cause for concern.

After an air survey done this afternoon, the Coast Guard reports fewer than ten birds being affected by the spill. Those birds have been transferred to the wildlife rehabilitations facility that was established by the unified command set up to deal with the spill.

Two cruise vessels have been allowed into the affected area to minimize inconvenience to the thousands of passengers on board. Those vessels will not be allowed to leave the area until it is deemed safe to do so, passengers aboard are urged to contact the individual cruise lines for specific information.

The Coast Guard is working in tandem with the Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Game and Wildlife Response Services and say that protection of wildlife “remains a high priority.”

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