"Did Ship’s Anchor Cause California Oil Spill? Maybe"

"HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Officials investigating one of California’s largest recent oil spills are looking into whether a ship’s anchor may have struck an oil pipeline on the ocean floor, causing heavy crude to leak into coastal waters and foul beaches, authorities said Monday.

The head of the company that operates the pipeline said company divers were inspecting the area of the suspected leak that was discovered Saturday, and he expected that by Tuesday there would be a clearer of what caused the damage.

A anchor from a cargo ship striking the pipeline is “one of the distinct possibilities” behind the leak, Amplify Energy CEO Martyn Willsher told a news conference. He said divers have examined more than 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) of the pipeline and were focusing on “one area of significant interest.”"

Stefanie Dazio and Christopher Weber report for the Associated Press October 5, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Calif. Lawmakers Demand Offshore Drilling Ban In Spill’s Wake" (E&E News)

Source: AP, 10/05/2021