Fuel spill fouls 2 1/2 -mile stretch of Encinitas coast

Fuel spill fouls 2 1/2 -mile stretch of Encinitas coast
San Diego Union Tribune - San Diego,CA,USA
The spill was first reported around 11:30 am Thursday by a boater who
noticed a large sheen on the water about five miles offshore of Beacon's
Beach, ...

ENCINITAS – A fuel spill that has fouled the ocean off Encinitas with a four-mile-long by one-mile-wide slick has prompted the closure of miles of North County beaches and the cancellation of a large weekend surfing competition.

Lifeguards and county environmental health officials have posted signs along a 2½ -mile stretch of beaches, telling swimmers and surfers to stay out of the water for at least 24 hours.

The spill was first reported around 11:30 a.m. Thursday by a boater who noticed a large sheen on the water about five miles offshore of Beacon's Beach, said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Jereme Altendorf.

It started to come onshore sometime late Thursday afternoon, Altendorf said.

Grandview, Beacon's, Moonlight, Stone Steps and D Street beaches were all closed Friday morning and were expected to remain so for at least 24 hours, said Encinitas Fire Division Chief Scott Henry. Signs have been posted along paths to the beaches.

The spill hasn't reached Swami's Beach, a popular surfing spot, but officials said it's headed that way.

After sending out helicopters to survey the affected area early Friday, the Coast Guard determined the spill area is approximately four miles long by one mile wide.

The Switchfoot Bro-Am surf competition, which was scheduled for Saturday at Moonlight Beach, has been canceled but the accompanying concert is to be held as scheduled, Henry said.