T&T Salvage Inc. crews dive on sunken barge during Argo Response in Lake Erie, Oct. 27, 2015.
Divers were conducting a survey of the barge in an attempt to locate and secure the source of a pollution spill noticed on Oct. 24.
U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy of T&T Salvage Inc.
CLEVELAND — Crews continue to investigate a reported discharge of an unknown substance from the site of a sunken barge near Kelleys Island Shoal in Lake Erie, Wednesday.
The Unified Command, consisting of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Ohio EPA, is continuing to take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of the public and the environment.
Marine growth samples and water samples were taken from the barge and expedited to testing laboratories. The water sample results are expected in approximately 24 hours and results from the marine growth samples will not be ready for at least five days.
Crews from T&T Salvage were able to complete 30 percent of the assessment of the wreck on Tuesday. Due to the remnants of Hurricane Patricia moving through the area, dive operations are scheduled to resume on Friday.
The Coast Guard established safety zone, located 8 nautical miles east of Kelleys Island extending 1,000 feet around position 41-38'21"N, 082-29'35"W, remains in effect and is closed to all traffic until canceled. No vessel may enter, transit through or anchor within the regulated area without permission from the Coast Guard patrol commander, Station Marblehead, which may be contacted via VHF-FM Channel 16.
More information will be released as it becomes available via press release, or on Twitter @USCGGreatLakes.
Previous releases regarding this incident can be found here.