“We appreciate the work of OSPR crews in their response to oil spill related calls. Their knowledge, response, and actions help to protect the public, the environment, and fish and wildlife from harm.”
– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
CAPITOLA – On July 16, 2025, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) crew responded to a vessel fire off the coast of Capitola.
A 45-foot vessel with two people aboard caught fire at 7:40 a.m. Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol (SCHP) rescued both vessel occupants and transported them to Santa Cruz Wharf with no reported injuries.
OSPR reported that, upon arrival, no fuel sheen was observed and responders began working to minimize any petroleum threat to the environment. The vessel sank before tow efforts could be made and on July 17th, OSPR reported that a salvage plan was in place and divers were able to seal and secure vessel. The vessel will be refloated and towed out. No visibly oiled wildlife was observed. The vessel has an estimated report of 650 gallons of fuel onboard with a capacity of approximately 1000 gallons.
Responders to the fire included:
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife: Office of Spill Prevention and Response
- Coast Guard
- Parker Diving Service Redwood Shore Diving Inc.
- Santa Cruz Port District
- Fire Boat 12
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
