Houston Ship Channel Closed after Benzene Spill

A section of the Houston Ship Channel has been closed following the release of approximately 500 gallons of benzene from the tanker Maritime Jingan while moored at Vopak Terminal Thursday afternoon.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is responding to the incident along with the Harris County Hazardous Material Response Team.

At approximately 12 p.m., Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a call from Vopak Terminal personnel that benzene had been spilled on the Maritime Jingan and that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department had also been notified. A small portion of the benzine entered the water

Vessel Traffic Service issued a closure of between the Lynchburg Ferry Crossing and Carpenters Bayou effective at 12:23 p.m.

The leak has been secured, and the cause is under investigation.