Seas are expected to reach 18-20 feet, driven by the strong offshore storm, making it tough for crews to further burn the fuel oil still on board the broken vessel. Fuel on the New Carissa burns after officials re-ignite it Sunday. Officials burned more than half of the 400,000 gallons in her tanks late last week to keep the oily mess from further fouling sensitive beaches. The oil spread along about 20 miles of beach both north and south of the wreck. On Sunday, the Unified Command authorized the reignition of the residual oil on the New Carissa using the helo-torch system.
Officials estimate about two-thirds of the ship's fuel has been burned off.
Overflights this morning indicated positive progress in beach clean up efforts, with less oil around the ship reported, no residual oil in the open cargo hold area, and clean up crews fully deployed along the beach opposite the ship. The consistency of the residual oil on the ship is transforming to a thicker, waxier substance, which will reduce the risk of oil leaking onto the shoreline, but will make it more difficult to burn. The consistency can be compared to refrigerated maple syrup. The burning of the oil on board the New Carissa has successfully averted a more serious environmental problem, and clean up crews have significantly reduced oil and debris on the shoreline. A total of 14,000 feet of oil-containment boom has been deployed to keep the spilled oil away from fragile creeks and beaches.