Sunken Shrimping Vessel Spills Diesel at John's Pass

The 33 foot Rodac is sunk to its deck plates and is listed to port on a sandbar off John's Pass about half way up the Gulf coast of this peninsular state.

John's Pass is west of Tampa Bay near the towns of Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and Reddington Beach, where the vessel was homeported. The area is famous for its white sand beaches and clear waters.

The stretch of water at the end of this beach is John's Pass. (Photo credit unknown)

The Coast Guard received a call late Friday night from the Rodac's captain reporting the vessel was aground and taking on water with three people aboard at the entrance to John's Pass.

Sea Tow Tampa Bay arrived on scene at about 10:30 pm Friday and removed the three crewmembers but personnel were unable to salvage the vessel. The crewmembers reported no injuries and were taken to shore.

The reason for the vessel sinking is unknown.

The vessel is reported to have about 200 gallons of diesel fuel onboard that it is releasing into the water. Sea conditions, two- to three-foot swells, have prevented response crews from booming the area to contain the fuel, the Coast Guard said.

Southern Waste Services will do an assessment of the situation at first light on Saturday and determine the course of action for cleanup.

The Coast Guard has issued a safety broadcast to mariners informing the boating public of the hazard to navigation in the area.

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