Coast Guard investigating possible Delaware River oil spill

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a possible oil spill in a portion of the Delaware River in South Philadelphia Monday night around 8:20 p.m.

Officials said a barge, a crane and a workboat were submerged on Pier 84, near Delaware Avenue between Oregon Avenue and Jackson Street.

The equipment was being stored at the pier and had not been used for at least a year, officials said. It was unclear Monday night how the equipment ended up under water.

At least 300 gallons of fuel were contained in the waterlogged equipment. Authorities were unsure of exactly how much fuel spilled into the river as of 11:20 p.m., and said they would be unable to provide an accurate amount until Tuesday morning.

Coast Guard officials said the owner of the equipment has already hired a contractor to place a containment boom around the affected area to try keeping whatever fuel has leaked into the water from spreading.

The incident did not impact the Delaware River shipping channel, authorities said.

-Phillip Lucas