Ship’s leaky pipe probably to blame for fuel spill at Port of Los Angeles, Coast Guard says

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Clean-up crews using absorbent booms try to contain an oil spill leaked from a cargo ship at the Port of Los Angeles.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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Clean-up crews using absorbent booms try to contain an oil spill leaked from a cargo ship at the Port of Los Angeles.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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Clean-up crews position absorbent booms try to contain an oil spill leaked from a cargo ship at the Port of Los Angeles.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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Absorbent booms are set in place to contain an oil spill leaking from a cargo ship at the port of Los Angeles.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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Clean-up crews use absorbent booms try to contain an oil spill leaked from a cargo ship at the Port of Los Angeles.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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Clean-up crews use absorbent booms to contain an oil spill leaked from a cargo ship at the Port of Los Angeles.

(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

By Veronica Rocha

March 16, 2016 9:23 AM PT

An oily fuel slick that appeared at the Port of Los Angeles on Sunday was probably caused by faulty piping on a cargo ship, according to the Coast Guard.

Officials said a leaking pipe on the starboard side of the 577-foot cargo ship Istra Ace appears to have been the source of the spill. The docked ship was reported to have been leaking heavy fuel in the Cerritos Channel.

The leak has been repaired, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Sondra-Kay Kneen.

The spill was reported about 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Crews used sweepers, absorbent pads and 17,200 feet of containment boom to keep the fuel from spreading to other areas of the channel, the shoreline, nearby vessels, docks and pilings.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response reported that at least six oiled birds were found. To report oiled wildlife, call (877) 823-6926.

Recreational and commercial vessel traffic was restricted around the spill area to avoid possible contamination and allow clean-up efforts to begin.

The Coast Guard and Fish and Wildlife officials are working with Istra Ace to monitor the area.

Anyone affected by the leak is urged to call (888) 850-8486 for information on filing a claim.

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Veronica Rocha worked on the Metro desk and at L.A. Now covering breaking news in California. She joined the Los Angeles Times in 2014 and left in 2017.

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