SEATTLE – Oil-spill cleanup crews continued the response to the large oil spill in the Tacoma/Vashon Island area.  The U.S. Coast Guard and Washington Department of Ecology are coordinating the response under a unified command.

As of early this afternoon, the spill, which appears to have originated in Commencement Bay, Wash., has spread with tides to both sides of Vashon Island and inside the southern portion of Quartermaster Harbor.

Shoreline clean-up crews are working to clean up and prevent the re-floating of oil that has washed ashore on the southern Vashon and Maury Islands.  On Vashon, crews are raking oiled sand and small pebbles above the high-tide line.  On Maury, crews are installing oil-absorbing boom over the rocky beach to capture oil.

Three skimmers, with two additional skimmer en-route, and several support vessels continue to collect oil from thick pockets.  Skimming operations are being directed from the air by helicopter.  Also, Coast Guard, Ecology and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife experts are making reconnasissance flights to gauge location and movement of the oil.

Coast Guard and Ecology investigators are working to determine the source of the oil.  It appears to be industrial oil, a heavy grade that can coat beaches, form tarballs and does not readily evaporate.

Since no responsible party has come forward, the Coast Guard has opened the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund account and the unified command has contracted with Clean Sound Cooperative, National Response Corporation and Global Diving and Salvage to conduct cleanup operations.

Department of Ecology teams began inspecting beaches at first light this morning.  Boat and helicopter inspection of the spill was delayed by heavy fog that persisted until after sunrise.

Oil is hazardous material and members of the public should stay away from oil that has washed ashore.  Response crews are trained and certified to work with hazardous materials.  Volunteers are appreciated, but are not required at this time.  This is for their safety.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has trained wildlife specialists combing the area.  To report for oiled or injured animals and birds, call 1-800-22-BIRDS.

Ecology and the Coast Guard expect to establish a joint media center this evening.  Until then, please continue to direct questions to either of the following:

Coast Guard Petty Officer Adam Eggers, 206-391-6864

Ecology Public Information Officer Larry Altose, 425-649-7009