FLORENCE, Ala. — UPDATE (7/22): McFarland Park and its shoreline have reopened to visitors nearly a week after an incident that sent thousands of gallons of diesel fuel into the water.
In a Facebook post made Saturday afternoon, Florence Parks & Recreation officials said an environmental report on the area "came back clear." The area had been closed out of an abundance of caution.
Our original report follows:
Florence Police say a sunken tugboat has leaked diesel fuel, prompting them to evacuate nearby swimmers from the water Sunday.
According to a Facebook post made shortly before noon Sunday, the boat sank "recently" but did not specify when the incident happened. They said the sinking happened near the O'Neal Bridge.
An estimated 3,000-5,000 gallons of fuel has reportedly been released into the water and has since begun to wash up on the beaches of nearby McFarland Park.
People are asked to avoid getting into the water and to stay off the beaches until further notice.
Diesel fuel can be absorbed easily through the skin, according to a fact sheet from Commercial Fleet Data Systems. It can cause eye and skin irritation, redness, and burns.
The inhalation of diesel vapors can cause dizziness, nausea, respiratory irritation and increased blood pressure, among other symptoms.
If you believe you have come into contact with the fuel or are experiencing symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
There has been no indication of what caused the boat to sink or of any on-board casualties.
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