Fuel Transfer Begins, No Oil Sheen Reported Off Glencoe

The transfer of fuel from a tugboat stranded on a shoal off Glencoe began Tuesday afternoon and will continue into the night.

Of the estimated 2,000 gallons onboard the tugboat, about 1,200 gallons of fuel had been transferred by 5 p.m. Tuesday. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter observed the site and reported no signs of oil spill in the surrounding area, according to Al Kebby, Glencoe's deputy chief of police and fire. Water samples were also taken and no signs of fuel were reported. The operation will be monitored on-site and on the shore through the evening, according to Kebby.

Crews were also sent to repair the tugboat's hull after it was damaged by the rocky shoal. Crews will also attempt to free the construction barges from the shoal, which are currently weighed down with sand. The operation will continue Wednesday, Kebby said.

Three crew members were rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter Saturday after the vessels began taking on water. Since then, conditions on the water have delayed the removal of the tugboat and two construction barges until Tuesday.