Digital Media Center
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Gate 61
920 Paul Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0370
(800) 654-4262

© 2024 Alabama Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Oil Now Coming Ashore in Alabama

By Associated Press

Gulf Shores, AL – Small gobs of reddish brown oil washed up in the surf for the first time in Gulf Shores on Friday morning.

The goo was isolated to a few areas, but the faint smell of oil hung in the breeze at the public beach.

Jennifer Powell, visiting from Russellville, Ky., with her husband, says she could smell the oil, and the odor was burning her nose.

The Powells say they planned to return to the beach later this summer, but now they're not sure they want to come back.

Jennifer Powell says it won't be possible to get into the water, and she added, "I don't think I want my kids in that."

Meanwhile, Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says a cap has been collecting some of the Gulf oil gusher, but crews will not know how much until later in the day.

News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you.