After the container vessel Kea Trader split in half last month, fuel was spilled off the ship, with oil washing New Caledonia’s eastern coasts and making the local authorities issue a marine pollution alert.
According to local media, globules of oil have been spotted in Lifou, Ouvea and in Yate and Houailou on the main island’s east coast.
As a result, the public has been instructed not to touch the substance. Furthermore, a fishing and swimming ban has been imposed in the affected areas and partly in Lifou island, as dead fish and snakes have been spotted.
Kea Trader ran aground on a reef off New Caledonia on July 12. Local media reported that most of the fuel carried was pumped out, but there are four tonnes that cannot be pumped out.
Last month, the containership developed a crack, resulting in the vessel being split in half.
Before this, Lomar Shipping had announced that the ship will have to be recycled, as the damage assessments have shown that repairing is not feasible.