Spills

An oil slick of unknown origin was discovered in the early afternoon of 30 sep 1997 approximately 10 miles…

Mystery Spill - Florida Keys; Florida Keys · Florida Keys · NOAAORR-7231

issued
1997-09-30 00:00Z
status
cancelled 1997-10-14 00:00Z
self-cancels
1997-10-14 00:00Z
authority
NOAA OR&R
sea
North Atlantic Ocean
position
24.339, -81.597
source
incidentnews · first seen 2026-09-03 15:09Z

Original warning text

Mystery Spill - Florida Keys; Florida Keys.
Florida Keys.
1. An oil slick of unknown origin was discovered in the early afternoon of 30 SEP 1997 approximately 10 miles south of the western part of the Florida Keys. It is believed the report originated from the Florida Marine Patrol. The slick was reported to be a dark, weathered oil scattered along a path approx. 10 miles long and 1/2 mile wide. - - At 1510 EDT, the eastern position was reported to be near: 24?20.32'N, 081?35.79'W and the western end was reported to be near: 24?20.49'N, 081?42.93'W. - - An overflight by the U.S. Coast Guard was being initiated to gather further information. - - On scene weather was reported to be: Winds SE 10 knots, Seas 1 foot. - - NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC), LCDR Brad Benggio is assisting the USCG in Miami. USCG district 7.
2. COMMODITY: OIL.
3. POSITION 24.339N 081.597W. NOAA INCIDENTNEWS 7231: https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/incident/7231

This area · spills & pollution incidents

133 within 180 nm since 1985 · 2 in the last 12 months · 0 in force now

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Spills

Oil and chemical spills, groundings and vessel casualties with a pollution threat: NOAA IncidentNews responses since 1957, and spill-response areas broadcast as navigational warnings. All current spills & pollution incidents

Not for navigation. This is a re-rendering of an official navigational warning for awareness; mariners must use official NAVAREA broadcasts and their national MSI service.