Several shipwrecks well off the Jersey Shore should be evaluated by the U.S. Coast Guard because they pose an oil pollution threat, according to NOAA.
They are among 17 shipwrecks nationwide that the Coast Guard should further study and potentially remove their fuel and cargo oil, according to NOAA.
The U.S. seafloor harbors 20,000 shipwrecks, but "most wrecks, unless they pose an immediate pollution threat or impede navigation, are left alone and are largely forgotten until they begin to leak, often becoming the source of 'mystery spills' that harm coastal economies and environments," according to NOAA.
The 17 wrecks are among 36 that could pose an oil pollution threat, according to NOAA. The 36 have 700 to 150,000 barrels of oil, which hold 42 gallons apiece.
The China Arrow, which is more than 100 miles southeast of Cape May, has 3.9 million gallons of oil, according to NOAA.
The Coimbra, which is more than 100 miles east of the northern Monmouth County coast, has 1.2 million gallons of oil, according to NOAA.
Here are some maps:
The 17 shipwrecks recommended for further evaluation (Source: NOAA)
Locations of the 87 wrecks included in a national risk assessment (Source: NOAA)
The 20,000 shipwrecks in U.S. waters (Source: NOAA)
