Oil located 30 miles off Bay County, few reports of product washing ashore as of Thursday afternoon
Bay County Emergency Services Deputy Chief Brad Monroe told reporters at a daily press briefing Thursday that the oil slick is now located 30 miles off Bay County shores — farther than Wednesday’s reported 20 miles offshore. State emergency officials reported no tarballs and only an oiled bottle and bottle cap washing ashore on Panama City Beach as of Thursday afternoon. Click here to view the State Emergency Management interactive Web site.
BP crews will be stationed along Bay County beaches this holiday weekend and will be ready to respond should anything wash ashore. Though if lightning is present, crews will wait until the weather clears before cleaning the beaches.
U.S. Coast Guard Commander Mike Frender told reporters that reconnaissance work and BP cleanup efforts continue on the beach, though recent rains have hindered efforts somewhat.
“People may see a suspension of activity; however, we have been to conduct our recon efforts at night,” Frender said, adding that both the Coast Guard and BP are adding personnel in an effort to further improve the response.
Frender also asked boaters to be cognizant of the boom in place as they venture out this holiday weekend, particularly during nighttime fireworks shows.
“Any boom near a channel will be lit,” he said, “but people should still be mindful of its presence.”
