Associated Press
CAPE MAY -- A tanker spilled about 10,000 gallons of oil in Delaware Bay, endangering wildlife and washing up on bay beaches here, officials said Monday.
The Anitra, an 876-foot tanker owned by France Shipmanagement of Nantes, France, spilled the crude at Big Stone anchorage when oil was being removed from the ship to make it lighter to travel up the Delaware River, officials said.
The spill occurred Thursday night.
About two miles of beach was affected here. About one-quarter of a mile was cleaned up Monday, said Loretta O'Donnell, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Protection.
The affected beach is 17 miles from Big Stone anchorage, she said. It also is near Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area.
"We've seen a few oiled horseshoe crabs and waterfowl," said O'Donnell.
Gov. Christie Whitman and state Environmental Commissioner Robert Shinn visited the area Monday.
Officials were worried the spill would endanger the eggs of area horseshoe crabs and the birds that feed on them.
The spill was first discovered and reported to the DEP late Thursday night, said Becky Taylor, the governor's spokeswoman.
A private contractor was on the scene Monday to clean up the spill. The DEP also has sent its emergency response team to assist, Taylor said.
"Rough seas from a storm on Saturday dispersed most of the oil in the water, however, traces of oil were discovered on nearby Higbee Beach early Sunday," said Francois Vivier, managing director of France Shipmanagement.
He said the company sent 27 marine casualty technicians and 100 other people to help contain the spill.
The ship, which was built in 1975, is registered in the Bahamas. Its captain is Rastom Mody, 54, a 19-year captain, the company said.
"We will continue to cooperate fully with the New Jersey authorities and the Coast guard to limit any damage to the environment and to resolve the situation," Vivier said.
