A collision between a towing vessel and a tank ship caused a major oil spill estimated at 450,000 gallons at Port Arthur, Texas, it was reported here late Saturday. The US Coast Guard said that the collision occurred between a towing vessel and the two barges it was pushing, and a 807-foot tank ship loaded with crude oil. It indicated that the tank ship sustained damage and the initial estimate of spilled oil is 450,000 gallons, but no injuries have been reported. The Coast Guard said that part of the port was closed and that a perimeter around the vessels in the vicinity of the reported spill has been established "to ensure the safety of the vessels involved as well as the safety of the responders". An investigation is being conducted into the reasons behind the collision, the Coast Guard said, according to news agencies report.
