U.S. Coast Guard: Pipeline Was Initially Damaged Months Ago

The U.S. Coast Guard revealed the underwater pipeline which caused the oil spill off the coast of Southern California was initially damaged several months to a year ago.

In a press conference on Friday, officials said video evidence shows the pipeline was intact in October 2020, but has since moved 150 feet. The investigation has, so far, revealed a ship’s anchor dragged the pipeline, but it wasn’t the only factor which contributed to the rupture.

“When I say multiple incidents, we know that the oil spill started occurring later, at least was noticed later, than several months ago,” announced Capt. Jason Neubauer, U.S. Coast Guard. “So there could be contributing incidents down the line, either anchor strikes or geological events.”

The oil spill created an environmental disaster, which is threatening marine life and impacting coastal communities. Coast Guard officials said the investigation is still underway and will now focus on vessel movement above the pipeline over the past year.