Partially Sunken Barge, Tugboat Leaked Fuel In Copaigue

COPAIGUE, NY — A tugboat and barge partially sank in Great Neck Creek last month, leaking diesel fuel.

Babylon Bay Constables called for assistance Nov. 17 from DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement for the problem in the LaSala Boatyard in Copiague, New York Department of Environmental Conservation officials said Friday.

Environmental Consersvation Officers Brendan Dickson and Connor Paschke found the partially submerged barge and tugboat leaking diesel fuel into the water. They, the Babylon Bay constables, Babylon Department of Environmental Control, and Babylon Fire Marshals deployed a boom around the area to contain the spill and prevent more fuel from leaking into Great Neck Creek.

During the investigation, ECOs learned the owner of the vessel purchased the barge just three days prior to start his own bulkhead business.

U.S. Coast Guard and DEC Spill Responders were contacted and the USCG advised the owner to immediately begin cleanup and remediation. The scene was turned over to the DEC Spills Unit, while USCG, ECOs, and Bay Constables continued to monitor the area for evidence of contamination.

The owner removed the remaining fuel from the barge and tug, but not before approximately 100 gallons of diesel was lost to the environment, DEC officials said.