British Columbia·Video

Vancouver oil spill witness, Rob O'Dea, tells of 'fist-sized black globules'

Rob O'Dea was one of the first witnesses to Vancouver oil spill. Watch his interview on what he saw the day of the spill as well as the reaction of authorities and the crew on the grain ship.

Rob O'Dea was sailing when he saw the spill and was among the first to alert authorities

Eyewitness was first to report Vancouver oil spill

10 years ago
Duration 3:24
Witness tells of 'blue sheen' and 'fist-sized black globules

Rob O'Dea was one of the first witnesses to Vancouver oil spill. 

"It smelled like asphalt," O'Dea told CBC Vancouver host Andrew Chang.

When he sailed closer, he realized it was "fist-sized black globules" and a "blue sheen" on the water. That's when he realized it was an oil spill and called the authorities. 

The Canadian Coast Guard said the 2,700-litre spill of what is believed to be bunker fuel is 80 percent contained, and it has now reached the shores of English Bay, Stanley Park and West Vancouver.

Watch O'Dea's interview on what he saw the day of the spill as well as the reaction of authorities and the crew on the grain ship.