Russian strikes on Ukrainian port trigger oil spill in Black Sea
Photo: Russian strikes on the port of Pivdennyi caused an oil spill in the Black Sea (wikipedia.org)
As a result of massive Russian attacks on the infrastructure of the port of Pivdennyi in the Odesa region, vegetable oil leaked into the Black Sea, according to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).
"For the first two days after the Russian attack, the port was under constant strikes. Because of this, work to contain the leak could only be carried out partially—between air raid alerts, in compliance with safety regulations for personnel," the Port Administration notes.
During this period, specialists carried out a phased closure of the water area with boom barriers. After the security situation stabilized, the boom barriers were installed in full. Specialized vessels for collecting pollutants were involved in the work.
The agency notes that this is vegetable oil, which is an organic substance and is subject to natural biological decomposition.
"The USPA, together with all relevant services, is taking all possible measures to localize and prevent further spread of pollution, taking into account the current security and weather conditions," the organization says in a statement.
Background
According to the head of the Odesa regional military administration, Serhii Lysak, oil-like stains and dead birds were found on two beaches in Odesa today. An investigation has been launched into this incident.
The situation is being investigated by the relevant services. The environmental inspection, the Uzberezhzhia municipal enterprise, the rescue and diving service, and representatives of the Odesa City Council's Department of Municipal Security have already arrived at the scene.
Also yesterday, December 23, Russia once again struck the port of Odesa with drones. As a result of the Russian attack, a civilian ship flying the Lebanese flag, which was transporting Ukrainian soybeans, was damaged.
