2:17 PM (Sasha Lekach, Bay City News): An empty oil tanker struck a tower on the Bay Bridge’s western span this morning, authorities said.
The tanker, the Overseas Reymar, was heading out of the San Francisco Bay when it clipped the so-called “Echo Tower” on the far east side of the bridge’s western span around 11:15 a.m., according to Charlie Goodyear, spokesman for the San Francisco Bar Pilots.
As of 12:30 p.m., there were no reports of spilled oil or injuries.
Coast Guard investigators have detained the vessel and are inspecting the boat and speaking with the pilot, Goodyear said.
He said he is not aware of any damage to the bridge, but the vessel was damaged on the rear starboard side.
Coast Guard and San Francisco fire crews responded to the incident.
12:53 PM: According to the Coast Guard, a 75-foot oil tanker that struck the Bay Bridge this morning is not leaking any oil.
The vessel struck the so-called “Echo Tower,” the one that’s the closest to Treasure Island heading east, at around 11:20 this morning while headed out to sea, a Coast Guard spokesperson said.
According to ABC7, the starboard hull of the ship as well as the base of the bridge tower appear to show some evidence of the scrape.
However, as of 12:30 p.m., there were no reports of spilled oil, damage or injuries.
The Coast Guard’s Lt. Heather Lampert told the AP that there are no reports of leaking oil. A San Francisco fireboat also reported to the scene, but also did not see any oil in the water.
The vessel is being detained in the Bay while the Coast Guard continues its investigation.
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