Recent tests on oil samples from the south coast oil spill indicate this is a “light crude”. The oil spill is currently around 50 miles south of Cork Harbour and moving, according to the Marine Institute, at around five nautical miles per day in a generally easterly direction.
A delegation from the Russian Federation including representatives from the Russian Navy continue high level discussions with Irish Government officials today. The Irish position appears to be that the 46,000 tonne Russian Aircraft carrier The Admiral Kuznetsov, the flagship of the Russian Navy, was responsible for the oil spill during refuelling operations. Although the Russian Federation deny responsibility for the spill they do admit that it could have occured during “cleaning” operations!
With winds predominantly from the northwest it is hoped that this oil spill will not make landfall along the Irish soutyh coast and disperse naturally at sea. Damage to rafting birds like guillemots and razorbill and even puffins will be significant while the slick remains at sea undispersed.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) the Irish sea fisheries board are conducting tests on the extensive shellfish industry along the south coast to establish if any contamination has taken place during this incident.
ENDS
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