Clean-Up operation underway in a race to prevent heavy fuel oil damage after shipwreck in France

Despite poor weather conditions, four ships began a clean-up operation on Friday afternoon. The 214-metre-long vessel sank on Tuesday, 300 kilometres west of the French town of La Rochelle, carrying 2,200 tonnes of heavy fuel.

“Their efficiency totally depends on the weather,” said French maritime authorities.

While two oil slicks had already been spotted on Wednesday and Thursday, a new one was spotted on Friday during a surveillance flight. The new slick was observed near the area where the vessel sank and “seems to confirm that there is still a release of heavy fuel oil from the wreck”, which lies at a depth of 4,600 metres, French maritime authorities added.

Forecasts show fragments of the slick reaching parts of the Atlantic coast by Sunday or Monday.

Via FRANCE 24

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