The car carrier Istra Ace spilled oil in Cerritos channel near berth 212 at Port of Los Angeles, USA. The vessel was bunkering oil from the shore, when the oil leak started from open valve. The crew saw the leak and stopped bunkering operation, ballasting to stop the leak, but unfortunately sufficient quantity of oil already spilled into the water and caused pollution. The LA Fire Department hazardous materials and US Coast Guard responded immediately to the scene of the accident and boarded the ship to identify material and ensure situation is static and no life hazard exists.
Oil booms stopped the spreading of the oil spot, but also seriously hampered the traffic in the shipping channels. The traffic is not blocked, but restricted until completion of the oil collection. However, there is no congestion at the shipping way to Port of Los Angeles.
The car carrier Istra Ace (IMO: 9318503) is owned and operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and managed by Greek Stamco Shipmanagement.