Pace of port fuel-spill cleanup too slow for boat owners, residents

WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Two weeks after a fuel spill from a cargo ship in Los Angeles Harbor, boat owners and residents are complaining the pace of cleanup has been far too slow.

The spill happened on March 13, during a refueling operation in the Cerritos Channel. Since then private crews have been cleaning it up with oversight from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and other agencies.

But residents and boat owners say they can still see an oil sheen in the water and they are concerned about potentially hazardous fumes.

"I think they are trying to do the best that they can but it's not even touching what really needs to be touched on," said boat owner Morgan Griffin. "And our environment is the most important because we still have to live here."

Anyone impacted by the spill can call (888)-850-8486 for assistance or to file a claim for damage.