“It is important that CDFW OSPR respond to grounded vessels to assess potential fuel leaks, evaluate the potential impacts on wildlife, and determine the need for containment and cleanup efforts.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN FRANCISCO — On August 21, 2026, the California Department of sigh and Wildlife (CDFW) Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) was part of a unified command established to respond to a fishing vessel that ran aground in Point Reyes National Seashore.

The unified command was comprised of the U.S. Coast Guard and National Park Service with support and technical specialists from Marin County Fire, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the CDFW’s OSPR.

No injuries, active fuel leaks, or wildlife impacts have been reported. North Beach was temporarily closed to the public to allow responders to operate safely and without interference.

The 58-foot fishing vessel Lake Bay has a maximum fuel capacity of 2,800 gallons and was reported to have approximately 1,000 gallons of diesel onboard. The unified command coordinated with the responsible party and a contracted salvage company to safely remove all fuel from the vessel.

“Our top priorities are ensuring the safety of the first responders and the public, stabilizing the incident, and limiting environmental impacts,” said Lt. Cmdr. Carey Lewis, Coast Guard incident commander. “Responders are continuously monitoring and evaluating the site for pollution and any potential risk factors so we can approach operations with intention to minimize environmental impacts.”

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Responders worked Friday night and through the weekend to remove all diesel and hydraulic oil from the vessel. No product was discharged and no oiled wildlife observed. Salvage plans were underway.