A significant incident has been declared following the release of approximately 200 barrels of reservoir fluid into Poole Harbour, Dorset.
Sunday, according to the Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC), a conduit operated by Perenco leaked under Owers Bay.
The public has been asked to refrain from swimming in Poole Harbour and the surrounding area until further notice.
PHC stated that an evaluation of the situation was being conducted.
“It is estimated that approximately 200 barrels of reservoir fluid have been released into the water column in Poole Harbour,” the company said in a statement.
“Anyone who has come into contact with the spill should wash with soap and water promptly. If your eyes have been exposed to the discharge, you should rinse them with water.”
Among reservoirs, fluids are oil varieties.
“Plan for oil spill activation”
The PHC stated that it had activated its oil spill plan, shut down the pipeline, and positioned booms on either side of the leak.
According to PHC, companies specializing in oil leak response have also been mobilized.
The organization stated that it was collaborating with several organizations and would provide an update “in due course.”
The Environment Agency (EA) stated on Sunday afternoon that it had received reports of a “large amount of oil” in Poole Harbour.
The EA stated in a statement, “We are assisting the port authority and other partners in addressing this incident.”
Sunday at 13:43 BST, PHC notified Dorset Police of an oil spill in Poole Harbour, according to the police.
The force stated in a statement that the incident was being managed by PHC and that police presence was unnecessary.
The force added, “We will continue to communicate with our partner agencies and offer assistance as needed.”
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council were contacted for comment.
