The Arleigh Burke‑class destroyer USS Sampson released an estimated 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel into Seattle’s Harbor Island on Monday while undergoing defueling at Vigor Shipyard. The Navy confirmed the spill and activated 24‑hour on‑site recovery efforts, noting that most of the fuel has already been retrieved.
Initial reports suggested up to 5,000 gallons had been lost, but subsequent assessments lowered the figure as containment measures proved effective. A Navy‑mandated oil containment boom was already in place, limiting the spread, while three portable skimmers, a dedicated skimmer boat, and absorbent materials are being used to extract the remaining oil. The boom and absorbents will stay until all recoverable fuel is removed and the vessel moves to dry dock, according to the Washington State Department of Ecology.
The U.S. Coast Guard determined the Navy was at fault for the incident. The Sampson, which had been deployed to the Caribbean for counter‑narcotics operations last year, was replaced in the Southern Command area by the destroyer USS Stockdale before returning to Naval Base San Diego.
