HARBOR HAZARD

    The following column, "The Pilot's Log,"  by Bynner Martin is reprinted from the San Pedro News Pilot of June 18, 1963, for the information of members.

Tale of Two Tankers

    This piece could be called "The Tale of Two Tankers Named Virginia."  It has to do with how prompt action last Friday by authorities here put an end to a great fire hazard and the lack of action in Houston in 1959 resulted in explosions and fire fatal to eight and $2 million in damage.

    The "Virginia" involved in the local case is a Liberian flag tanker.  Shortly after discovery of leakage of naptha as the tanker was unloading at Berth 162, Wilmington, authorities here swung into action.

    Fire department sea and land units, directed by Battalion Chief Jack Douglas surrounded the vessel;  and Port Warden Frank Higbee and the Coast Guard captain of the port, Comdr. Sam Pisicchio, issued concurrent orders for the ship to be moved to anchor in the outer harbor.

    By Saturday morning, the cause of the spill--a leaky sea valve--had been found and repaired and the ship returned Saturday afternoon to Berth 162 to complete unloading its 150,000-barrel cargo.

    In the interim, the fire department units washed down the berth and nearby water surface to prevent possible ignition.

    Altogether the leak resulted in a loss of 1700 barrels of naptha, according to the Charles Martin Co.,  petroleum gaugers.

    This incident because it was handled so well, didn't stir much interest here and none at all nationally. Yet, the ingredients here were nearly the same as those in the disastrous fire Nov. 8, 1959, at Houston.

    The tanker at Houston was the "Amoco Virginia."  Despite notice to ship and terminal that a gasoline spill was occurring as the ship loaded, nothing was done.

    Gasoline floated downstream and somehow became ignited.  Fire flashed in a ribbon of flame to the "Amoco Virginia" and to two oil barges alongside.

    Three or more explosions occurred and fire spread over the vessel and to the terminal.

    Six crew members, including the master, died of burns and one died of smoke inhalation.  Eighteen crew members were injured.  One fireman fell into a wing tank of gasoline and drowned.

    Damage to facilities and vessels was more than $2 million.

    This incident attracted national attention and world attention among shipping men.

    "Disasters are remembered,"  said Port Warden Higbee.  "Precaution such as was taken here last Friday are soon forgotten."