Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: Dec. 31, 2006

Contact:  PA3 Mario Romero
(832) 250-6667

Jordan Janak, Plains Pipeline
(713) 449-3730

UPDATE: HIGH ISLAND PIPELINE SECURED

HOUSTON - The ruptured High Island Pipeline located 30 miles south of Galveston, Texas, was secured this morning.

At 10:00 p.m. yesterday, favorable weather conditions allowed divers to return to the spill site and start searching for the seaward section of the ruptured pipeline. The end of the pipeline was located at 6:15 a.m. today. Shortly thereafter the pipe was sealed using an inflatable buoy as a temporary measure to stop the flow of oil.

An overflight this morning revealed only a very light sheen approximately .2 miles long by 10 feet wide on the surface of the water. An estimated 44, 500 gallons of oil has been released since the rupture occurred. The oil continues to move away from shore and is quickly dispersing. None of the oil has washed ashore.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Plans to permanently repair the pipeline are being developed at this time. Overflights of the spill sight will continue to be carried out until a permanent repair has been made. A spill response boat will be on standby and ready to respond if needed. 

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