Galveston Ship Channel partially closed after vessel strikes pier, spills oil, Coast Guard says

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Galveston Ship Channel is closed from Gulf Copper to Pelican Island Bridge after an oil discharge was reported Tuesday night, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The Coast Guard says their watchstanders received a call shortly before 10 p.m. reporting a discharge of fuel oil spilled by a vessel near Pier 32 at the Port of Galveston after it collided with the pier.

While the source of the spill has been secured, the Coast Guard said it is investigating the amount of fuel oil released.

The Coast Guard also said that air monitoring and the area's safety are being assessed, and that there have been no reports of injuries or wildlife impacts.

The Coast Guard said that, along with the Texas General Land Office and Forestwave Navigation BV, the party responsible for the spill, it is working to respond to the spill and has personnel and assets on scene.