ST. SIMONS SOUND, Ga. — Fuel from the forward fuel oil tanks aboard the Golden Ray has been successfully removed, but now, maritime experts have determined that it is not possible to safely right and refloat the vessel fully intact.
More than 225,000 gallons of fuel in all has now been removed from the ship, and Unified Command said they are continuing to remove fuel at this time.
TRENDING:
Because the assessment has been made that the ship can not be safely righted, command said it is developing plans to remove all the ship's hull, components and cargo by disassembling the ship in its current location.
Unified Command is reminding the public that the Georgia Department of Health has issued a swimming and fishing advisory, and members of the public are encouraged to visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website or call 844-863-0325 for further public health information and advisories.
People should not touch oil or attempt to rescue oiled birds or wildlife. If someone needs to report any sightings of oil, call 800-424-8802 and report any oiled wildlife to (800) 261-0980.
STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories