Officials expanding probe of tanker spill (Delaware River) [View All]

The search for what caused a Greek tanker to hemorrhage tens, and possibly hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude oil into the Delaware River will extend south to the Commodore Barry Bridge, Coast Guard officials said Wednesday.

"Since we have not found the cause, we are extending the search another six miles to the Commodore Barry and instituting draft restrictions," said Coast Guard Captain Jonathan D. Sarubbi, the officer in charge of the Port of Philadelphia.

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Until further notice, ships which draw more than 34 feet of water will not be allowed to travel the river during low tide. By comparison, the Greek tanker, which leaked the oil Friday night, Athos I, draws 36.5 feet of water.

The restrictions will remain in place while the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers continue their search for what gashed the tanker, which may have discharged as much as 473,000 gallons of Venezuelan crude into the river. Initial reports put the spill at 30,000 gallons. The actual amount will not be known until whatever oil remains in the ship is pumped out.

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