Responders actively address a reported waste oil spill from the 145-foot U.S.-flagged freight ship Mariana at the Tinian Harbor on June 6, 2025.
Courtesy photo/USCG
THE U.S. Coast Guard responded to a 30-gallon waste oil spill from the 145-foot U.S.-flagged freight ship Mariana at the Tinian Harbor on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The USCG is the lead federal agency for oil spills in coastal waters.
According to USCG Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Public Affairs Officer Sarah Muir, “The responsible party took immediate action on detection of the spill from the vessel’s waste oil containment and notified the U.S. Coast Guard on the morning of June 6. The operator of the Mariana reported the source secure, no additional leak or discharge, and an estimate around 30 gallons of waste oil. The response team is working diligently to contain and clean up the waste oil.”
The Mariana, she said, is carrying general cargo, and holds a valid Certificate of Inspection issued in March 2024.
“An investigation into the cause of the spill is underway, led by the U.S. Coast Guard, given the commercial nature of the vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard is collaborating with local agencies, including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, to monitor environmental impacts and ensure a thorough response. There are no immediate reports of wildlife or shoreline impacts, but monitoring continues,” Muir added.
The waste oil spill was contained by Friday afternoon, Variety learned
A Tinian resident, who requested anonymity, said: “Top notch response. For many locals, the biggest concern is the impact on marine life. We feed our families fishing these waters.”
The Coast Guard responders deployed containment and sorbent booms to prevent the spread of oil in accordance with the vessel’s approved response plan, prioritizing the protection of Tinian’s marine ecosystems.
Additional response supplies arrived on Tinian from Saipan. A marine science technician from U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Saipan oversaw operations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and effective containment strategies, the Coast Guard said.
