The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder caused an oil spill 30 miles off the coast near Fort Bragg, California, when it accidentally released 500 gallons of diesel fuel on Friday.

The Alder is used to replace navigational buoys and was headed for Humboldt Bay, California, at the time of the discharge. 

The Coast Guard told the California Office of Emergency Services that the spill occurred due to operator error, wherein the cutter’s fuel feed pump was not turned off as it should have been. Diesel fuel was released from the ship from midnight until 1:24 a.m. local time Friday morning, per a COES report.

California officials estimated that the fuel spill evaporated within 18 to 21 hours in 2.5 to 3.5 miles.

Officials are now working to determine any environmental ramifications from the oil spill. The Coast Guard said there is no expected impact on the Fort Bragg shoreline as of yet.

“We are investigating the incident and are working diligently to minimize any potential environmental impacts,” Coast Guard District 11 Commander Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto said.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.