Current Situation:
Updates in bold letters following Houston Galveston 1600 Port Coordination Team call.

Coast Guard conducted overflights of spill area. Confirmed oil remains in between the Galveston channel jetties, preventing any transits out the HSC and Galveston Channel to sea, or incoming from sea. Coast Guard ongoing overflights focusing on eastern GIWW and may be able to open GIWW between Bolivar and the Texas City Y soon.

Bolivar Ferries not expected to be underway until tomorrow, 25 March.

Navigation - No changes on the Safety Zone status, However it may change if we have a favorable overflight assessment of contamination.
The COTP direct no vessels movements:
• On the Houston Ship Channel from Galveston Bay Entrance Channel lighted buoy 1B to light 44,
• On the Texas City Channel from lighted buoy 1 to light 17,
• On the Galveston Channel from lighted buoy 1 to the Pelican Island Bridge,
• and on the GIWW from Bolivar light 14 to Galveston Freeport Cut Off Channel buoy 20
These closures remain in effect until further notice.

Future Actions:

Coast Guard VTS Houston Galveston is accepting self-assessment reports from vessels regarding contamination. If contaminated, vessels will likely be able to operate in contaminated waters. If intending to transit to clean water areas, the vessels will require decontamination. Unified Command will soon set up 6 decontamination stations and will make decisions on when a vessel is clean and cleared to transit.

Towing vessels should make self-assessment reports of oiled hulls to VTS Houston Galveston at 281-464-4836 or on Ch 5A, 11 or 12 VHF/FM or via email to Houstontraffic@uscg.mil.

Transit priorities are being established for critical cargoes as determined by inputs to the Port Coordination Team. Route any critical cargo concerns through GICA or to Houstontraffic@uscg.mil.

Tows presently holding up due to the spill should be ready to move on short notice as channels if we get favorable overflight results.

A claims number has been established for persons who may have questions in regard to personal impact by the incident: 855-276-1275.