Spills · mystery_substance

Mystery sheen in block MC-252-19Aug11; gulf of mexico lease block mississippi canyon 252

NOAAORR-8345

issued: 2011-08-20 00:00Z
status: cancelled 2011-09-03 00:00Z
self-cancels: 2011-09-03 00:00Z
authority: NOAA OR&R
sea: Gulf of Mexico
position: 28.700, -88.400
source: incidentnews · first seen 2026-09-03 15:09Z

Original warning text

Mystery Sheen in Block MC-252-19Aug11; Gulf of Mexico Lease Block Mississippi Canyon 252.
Gulf of Mexico Lease Block Mississippi Canyon 252.
1. The NOAA SSC for CG District 8 was contacted at 1300EDT on 20Aug11 to request assistance in identifying potential sources for a sheen of unknown description 1 mi. long by 50ft wide that has persisted in lease block Mississippi Canyon 252 since Friday, 19Aug11 in the same approximate location. The NOAA SSC spoke BOEMRE regarding potential sources for such a sheen (of unknown color/description) at that location. BOEMRE indicated that there is a known natural seep within 6 mi of the Macondo well. The seep is a prime suspect for such a small sheen, but of course it could also be a small leak from the Macondo well also, or any other structure in that area. Further, any leak from a sea floor source in that depth could surface miles away depending on any currents within the entire water column.
2. THREAT: OIL. COMMODITY: UNKNOWN BUT SUSPECT NATURAL SEEP. TAGS: MYSTERY SUBSTANCE.
3. POSITION 28.700N 088.400W. NOAA INCIDENTNEWS 8345: https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/incident/8345

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