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17/02/2009
Oil Slick Heading Toward Irish Coast
A huge oil slick off the Irish west coast is heading landwards, and could hit the shore in less than 16 days.
The Department of Transport and Marine has revealed a spill of up to 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil is floating just 43 nautical miles south of the Fastnet lighthouse, and could hit the shore line in just over two weeks time.
Aerial surveillance from the Coast Guard helicopter based in Waterford confirmed the oil spill covered approximately 4.5km by 5 km, surrounding a Russian aircraft carrier and a refuelling tanker.
The Russian Naval Attaché confirmed on Monday that the carrier had been carrying out a fuel transfer at sea operation when the spill took place from a Russian supply tanker at sea.
A spokesman from the Irish marine department said: "Vessels on scene at the moment include two refuelling tankers, one aircraft carrier, one Russian ocean-going tug, one Russian destroyer, one British destroyer and Irish Naval vessel L.E. Aisling. It is believed the Russian Task Group may leave the area tomorrow having completed refuelling operations."
The Irish Coast Guard in conjunction with the U.K. Coastguard is carrying out aerial pollution surveillance flight over the area today. Samples of the oil have been taken from the scene to be analysed.
Authorities are analysing the spill before launching a clean up operation.
(DW/BMcC)
The Department of Transport and Marine has revealed a spill of up to 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil is floating just 43 nautical miles south of the Fastnet lighthouse, and could hit the shore line in just over two weeks time.
Aerial surveillance from the Coast Guard helicopter based in Waterford confirmed the oil spill covered approximately 4.5km by 5 km, surrounding a Russian aircraft carrier and a refuelling tanker.
The Russian Naval Attaché confirmed on Monday that the carrier had been carrying out a fuel transfer at sea operation when the spill took place from a Russian supply tanker at sea.
A spokesman from the Irish marine department said: "Vessels on scene at the moment include two refuelling tankers, one aircraft carrier, one Russian ocean-going tug, one Russian destroyer, one British destroyer and Irish Naval vessel L.E. Aisling. It is believed the Russian Task Group may leave the area tomorrow having completed refuelling operations."
The Irish Coast Guard in conjunction with the U.K. Coastguard is carrying out aerial pollution surveillance flight over the area today. Samples of the oil have been taken from the scene to be analysed.
Authorities are analysing the spill before launching a clean up operation.
(DW/BMcC)
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Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
