Ruptured Oil Pipe Spews 2-Mile Slick
<i> From a Times Staff Writer</i>
OXNARD —
An offshore Unocal oil platform near Oxnard sprang a leak Friday when a work boat dragging the bottom to retrieve an anchor accidentally ripped open a pipeline, authorities said.
Between 500 and 2,100 gallons of crude oil spilled about four miles offshore before flow to the ruptured pipe was shut off. Driven by high winds, the oil spread quickly, forming a slick 2 miles long and 1,000 feet wide.
Seven cleanup boats moved into the area Friday evening to try to contain it.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
