Gibraltar suspends port operations following bunker fuel spill incident

Gibraltar has suspended its port operations following a bunker fuel spill incident on Tuesday (1 August), according to the Government of Gibraltar.

The incident occurred at approximately 8.22 am local time in the southern part of the Western Anchorage, when a vessel taking bunkers experienced an overflow of its tanks. 

“The quantities of oil are currently unquantified,” the government said in a statement.

Following this, the Gibraltar Port Authority has initiated its oil spill contingency plan in conjunction with the Department of Environment and response operations are currently underway. Spanish authorities have been notified as part of the automatic procedure.

“The Department of Environment are closely monitoring developments and lifeguards are on alert for oil on the Western shoreline. Red flags are flying at Camp Bay and Little Bay as it is expected that some oil will reach the shore in these areas. Bathers are urged to be cautious even if Yellow flags are flying.” it said. 

In a later update, the government said quantifying the amount of oil released into the bay is not currently the main priority as this can be misrepresented at this stage of the clean-up process. 

“This data will be gathered throughout and the final figures will be made available once the clean-up operations have been concluded,” it said.

“Early indications that the impact of the oil spill has been limited to the area of Camp Bay and Rosia Bay and its immediate vicinity have been confirmed by drone footage obtained this morning, and by a Spanish helicopter overflight this afternoon.”

The government added there have not been any sightings of any free floating streaks of oil moving away from this area, however this is being continuously monitored and may change with the tides.

Photo credit: Thinking Green Environmental Forum / HM Government of Gibraltar
Published: 2 August, 2023