Huntington Beach officials clear waters and beach due to oil-like ‘sheen’

A “sheen” in the ocean off the coast of Huntington Beach is believed to have originated from a 40-foot vessel that sank nearby, prompting officials to clear the waters and close a stretch of the beach Friday, authorities said.

The sheen originated around Bolsa Chica State Beach, just north of Huntington Beach, after the vessel sank about 7 p.m. Thursday, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The size and impact of the sheen has not been determined, but initial reports estimate 300 gallons of diesel on board the boat, according to a statement from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response.

A Huntington Beach Fire Department hazardous materials team responded to reports of a sheen in the water near Seapoint Street about 9 a.m. Friday, authorities said. Officials said the boat released diesel fuel when it sank, but not in significant amounts and with no traces of oil.

Kevin Pearsall, the Orange Coast District superintendent for California State Parks, said only two people, the owners, were on the boat. No injuries were reported.

The vessel likely sank after the engine took on water due to an operations error, he said. State lifeguards and Orange County sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene Thursday evening and rescued those aboard before the boat fully sank.

“It went really fast,” Pearsall said. About 15 minutes later, the boat was completely submerged in the water and sank about 20 feet, he said.

Huntington Beach fire officials noted “minimal” sheening around the vessel at the time of the rescue. By Friday morning, the oil-like glaze was seen in the surf zone, but traces of fuel have not been spotted within the Bolsa Chica Wetland.

Officials said the beach is still open but advised visitors to avoid the waters between Beach Boulevard and Seapoint Street.

Huntington Beach spokesperson Jennifer Carey said the city decided to close the waters after police obtained an overhead view of the area and determined the size of the sheen.

Carey said officials are monitoring the beach and nearby waters, such as tidal inlets, that lead into sensitive wetlands.

No animals have been impacted, but the Oiled Wildlife Care Network remains on standby, officials said.

The Coast Guard has taken over the investigation and recovery efforts. Pearsall said the federal government’s private tow recovery company is en route to retrieve the sunken vessel before Hurricane Hilary arrives in Southern California.

“We’re hoping to get that out of the way so that there isn’t any actual oil spill from the vessel,” Pearsall said.

Officials ask that anyone who sees an oiled animal call the hotline at 1-877- UCD-OWCN (1-877-823-6926).