The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is cautioning residents and visitors to steer clear of the Delta Waterway near the Empire Tract following an incident involving a submerged tugboat. The boat is currently leaking diesel fuel and oil into the water and is located near Herman and Helen's on Little Potato Slough.
Multiple agencies have been mobilized to contain the spill and prevent further environmental damage. The Sheriff's Office boating safety unit, along with other ground units, have initiated efforts to manage the situation. Further support is being provided by the Environmental Health department, Office of Emergency Services, Fish & Wildlife, Woodbridge Fire Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard Pollution Response Team.
"We urge everyone to avoid the area and take caution if in the vicinity. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe both on and off the water," the sheriff's office stated in a release.
Residents are advised to stay out of the affected area as agencies work diligently to contain the leak and commence cleanup operations. The Sheriff's Office has not specified when the area will be deemed safe for public use again but is urging utmost caution in the interim.