US Coast Guard to assess tanker sunk by German U-boat off New York

The US Coast Guard will be assessing an oil tanker sunk during World War II to see whether it leaks oil.

The coast guard has contracted Resolve Marine to conduct the underwater assessment of the tanker Coimbra, from June 19th – 27th.

Located approximately 30 miles southeast of Shinnecock, New York, the Coimbra was sunk during World War II by a German U-boat.

The operation will assess the condition of the tanker and potential to have an environmental impact.

“We have assembled a team including members of the Navy Supervisor of Salvage, the Coast Guard Academy Science Department, the Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and New York Department of Environmental Conservation to provide consultation for this assessment,” said Capt. Kevin Reed, commander Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. “This assessment will help determine any potential environmental threat the tanker poses. Our top priorities are safety of the public and protection of the marine environment.”

The US Coast Guard requests the boaters to keep a safe distance of 500 yards from the dive operation during the assessment.