Emergency Crews Respond to 2,000-Gallon Diesel Spill in Baltimore Harbor

BALTIMORE, Maryland – Emergency response teams from multiple Maryland agencies are working to manage a 2,000-gallon diesel fuel spill that began Wednesday morning in Harbor East, officials reported.

The incident was first reported by Johns Hopkins Hospital around 11 a.m., where they initially indicated a contained spill of approximately 200 gallons. However, by 7 p.m., the hospital updated their assessment, revealing that the spill was uncontained and had reached about 2,000 gallons.

According to a spokesperson for Johns Hopkins, the incident occurred during a routine fuel delivery by a third-party vendor. Two diesel tanks were accidentally overfilled, leading to the overflow. The hospital immediately notified the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and has been cooperating with local, state, and federal authorities in the response.

Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott held a press conference early Thursday to provide updates on the situation, thanking the Baltimore City Fire Department and other agencies for their swift action. Over 100 emergency personnel have been deployed to the site.

During the response, the Coast Guard has coordinated efforts with contractors from the Miller Environmental Group, who are using oil absorbent materials and skimmers to mitigate the spill’s impact. Approximately 1,000 feet of containment boom and other equipment have been deployed to assist with the cleanup.

Officials stated that the spill is contained to a marina area measuring roughly 100 by 250 yards. They emphasized that there is currently no evidence to suggest any impact on the drinking water in the vicinity.

As cleanup operations continue, city officials have advised residents to avoid the area around Harbor East and take alternate routes, as traffic disruptions are expected during rush hour. Emergency traffic officers will be on site to help manage any road closures and detours.

In addition to the ongoing cleanup, wildlife officials reported several oiled waterfowl, which are being captured and taken to rehabilitation centers.

The incident remains under investigation as crews work to determine the exact cause of the spill and its full scope. Officials are committed to ensuring the safety of both residents and the environment while restoring the area efficiently.