REPORT DATE: 05-03-2020
REPORT TIME: 0515 UTC
REGION: GULF OF MEXICO
SUB REGION: N/A
AREA/BLOCK: MISSISSIPPI CANYON    20
IMAGE DATE: 05-02-2020
IMAGE TIME: 1629 UTC
DATA SOURCE: SENTINEL2A 
MODE: Multispectral  
RESOLUTION: 10 meter
LOCATION: 28°56'16" N/88°58'14" W
AREA: 21.83 square kilometers
CONFIDENCE: High
REMARKS: Possible oil was observed in satellite imagery. This anomaly is unconfirmed as oil. The anomaly appeared to emanate northeastward in a meandering pattern from the site of the destroyed Taylor platform. It measured approximately 18.1 nmi in length and up to 1.3 nmi in width, generally widening with distance from the suspected source. The anomaly was very dark in color against its background, with multiple embedded areas of silvery-white coloring indicating possible thicker oil. Winds in the area at the time of the image were 5-10 kts from the SE.

UNCERTAINTIES: Several areas of possible natural and biogenic origin were present near the anomaly. For this reason, confidence in the extent of the anomaly is lower than normal, particularly along the northeastern portion of the anomaly. Still, the repeat leak nature of the suspected source and the distinct appearance of the possible thicker oil allow for high confidence that this anomaly contained oil.

Maps and shapefiles can be accessed at: www.ospo.noaa.gov/Products/ocean/marinepollution/

ERMA: https://erma.noaa.gov/gulfofmexico/erma.html#/layers=1+44633&x=-88.85504791311598&y=29.018481207016812&z=11&panel=layer

If you would like to share any feedback about this report or have questions, please contact the operational analyst at (301) 683-1403 or send to oceanmap@noaa.gov. Email alerts are available only for federal and state government officials involved in response efforts. Requests to be added to the email alerts should also be sent to oceanmap@noaa.gov. Please allow up to 2 business days to process the request.

For further information on oil spill response and assessment go to:https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/oil-and-chemical-spills/oil-spills 

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