Port operations in Gibraltar were suspended as clean-up teams were trying to control residual oil that leaked from the wrecked bulker OS 35.
According to Gibraltar, the salvage team successfully sank the stern section of the vessel, due to strong winds, in order to prevent a further pollution.
However, while all the tanks had been pumped, residual amounts of oil remain aboard the vessel and during the storm over the weekend, a sheen was reported around the vessel.
Whilst the boom that surrounds the vessel continues to effectively reduce the amount of free-floating oil that is able to escape, it will never be able to contain it all entirely
Gibraltar Port Authority stated, which advised that it only vessels that would be permitted alongside would be for crew changes and deliveries.
Bunkering operations remain suspended for all vessels with the Port Authority saying it will continue to monitor and reassess the situation as it evolves.
After the bulker collision with an LNG carrier on August 30 off Gibraltar, the Gibraltar Contingency Council declared it “major incident,” as the hull of the bulker “OS 35” ruptured and leaks were spotted in the area.
The Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) further informed that a leak of HFO was observed from the grounded bulker.
