US Coast Guard investigates Chinese state cargo ship for possible role in California oil spill

EXCLUSIVE: A second named cargo ship is being investigated for its possible involvement in an oil spill off the coast of Southern California in early October.

A US Coast Guard source confirmed to FOX Business that the Malta-registered and state-owned Chinese Cosco Beijing is being investigated for its possible involvement in the laying of a pipeline. The cargo ship is 1,150 meters long.

Representatives from COSCO Shipping Lines did not respond to several requests for comments from FOX Business.

The state-owned company, based in Shanghai, China, operated 411 container ships in September, according to the company’s website.

CALIFORNIA OIL SPILL: INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE 1,200 FOOT CARGO SHIP PULLED PIPELINE

On October 16, the US Coast Guard named MSC DANIT, a cargo ship, as a “Party of Interest” for its possible involvement in the January 25 anchor towing incident during severe storms in the area.

It happened near a pipeline that was later discovered to be the source of an oil spill that was discovered off Huntington Beach in Orange County in early October.

It is estimated that at least 25,000 gallons of crude oil were released.

Investigators assume that the MSC DANIT pulled its anchor an unknown distance before coming into contact with the 16-inch steel pipe.

The FBI has previously confirmed to FOX Business that it is collaborating with a number of other federal agencies in the investigation into the oil spill.

CALIFORNIA OIL SPILL: INVESTIGATORS BELIEVE 1,200 FOOT CARGO SHIP PULLED PIPELINE

“The FBI has joined an investigation into the Orange County oil spill near Huntington Beach, California and is one of many federal agencies investigating the cause of the breakdown.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a October 11 press release that the oil spill had “far-reaching consequences.”

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“The oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach is an environmental disaster with far-reaching consequences for our fish and wildlife, for our communities and for our economy,” said Bonta. “I would like to thank all of our local, state, and federal partners who work around the clock to protect the health and safety of Californians and to reduce the damage to our environment and natural resources. In times of crisis, it takes all of us – working together – to get the job done. My office is committed to providing the people and resources necessary to ensure this environmental disaster is fully investigated and we will follow the facts wherever they lead us. “

Kelly Laco of Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.