Presidente Rivera - General Images
On June 24, 1989 the merchant marine tanker Presidente Rivera ran aground in the Delaware River near Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, spilling 250,000 gallons of No. 6 fuel oil. Tidal currents spread the oil over 29 miles of shoreline across three states; Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Emergency cleanup recovered 55% of the spilled oil. The spill restricted vessel traffic and closed parks and fisheries. Small creeks and tributaries were boomed off, preventing access to marinas and boat ramps. The commercial blue crab fishery was closed for 23 days. NOAA will be providing oversight and comments on planning, implementation and monitoring of all proposed restorations.
