Wed 6/2/10 Oil Patrol

Artful weather dodging today. We started with a large squall in our path.

To the left of USCG David Tynch's head you can see a water spout beginning to form.

For this time of year, the spout was impressive. Thick and able to make it all the way down.

Once the weather kicked we battened down cameras and hatches and went to work. We made the farthest travel outside of Chandeleur. We ran from Hopedale, to about 25 miles south of Biloxi and Gautier Mississippi. We turned South and we headed for Venice. The seas were solid 3 foot and sloppy. Even the 30 foot Twin Vee was getting bounced, but I couldn't imagine making the run in anything else.

We got as far as Gossier and a storm over the river started working our way. We made the turn back into the sound and headed back to Hopedale. No oil, no oiled birds. One shrimper working in the boom program did get injured today. I believe his name is Mr. Charles Robin. His fingers were caught in a winch I understand. Our prayers and best wishes to him and his family.

Back at it again tomorrow (Thursday). If I am not returning your calls promptly, please forgive and be patient. Depending on what time I get in, and what has to be done for maintenance and preparation, and making time for my family, I am limited in how much time I can spent on the phone and computer. if I am slacking in my professional and social obligations I hope you will do your best to understand.

Wed 6/1/10 Oil Patrol

Tuesday - The mission was to run the south end of Chandeleur on the outside. We made our way two thirds up to find the boat covering the inside was also (on their own) covering some of the north outside end of the island. We move out further and go south and then work to cover the open area of Breton Sound. This is where a lot of the patches have worked inshore.  We see nothing. On the way in we are redirected to Brush Island, an area where oil clean up is taking place on the shore. With that done, we head in. Upon hitting the dock we are met by the port director "Marty" who says we need to run back to the islands for a radio tech to install an antenna. 279 Miles according to the GPS.

Oil Spill Duty May 28, 2010

Today started like most, at least since the spill occurred and I began working with St. Bernard parish as a boat captain. We arrive (5:30 am), check in (6:00 am) , get a safety briefing (6:30 am), and then usually spend quite a bit of time waiting for the various agencies to meet, coordinate, and issue missions, radios, and other equipment for the day. I was again paired with Coast Guard reservist. Today was Cullen and Natalie. Nice people and professional. We started for Brush Island, this is an island we have visited several times and seen oil on the shore and dead birds with oil.

On the way orders changed to head for Comfort Island to inspect Boom surrounding the island. Upon arrival we found quite a bit out of place. A squall had apparently moved it. We made a report and then headed East into Breton Sound to look for signs of oil or dispersant. Lots of Dolphins around us.

There is a project underway to drive pilings from the Louisiana/Miss. border all the way across the Louisiana marsh. The piling driver is making great time as we watch him move across Breton Sound one piling at a time.
These pilings are being fitted with 41 inch Navy boom. They will serve as a primary defense should the barrier island rebuild take too much time or not come to fruition.


Shrimp boats stand by in Breton Sound draped with skimming boom instead of nets. Yesterday they were mobilized and later came into the MRGO for what officials call "Bulk/Outside Decontamination". Once cleaned they were re-stationed as sentinels watching for any oil trying to sneak into our marshes

On the way in we made a pass by the rock jetties of the MRGO. I have been passing each day to look for oiled birds. I have found several the past few days. Today there were two.

Each day is different. Some days, finding new signs of the spill is difficult. Other days the difficulty comes in NOT finding something related to this growing problem.

Right now there is something in the MRGO that is not explained. Deep under the surface are pockets of very dark or stained water. Samples have been taken and we have dropped buckets down, but no one can explain what the stuff is. It looks like particles in the water, but they are definitely not something you normally see in the channel.

Back at it tomorrow. Will post as often as I can.