Fuel Slick From Sunken Ship Spreads to Greenland Fjord

A team of firefighters tried to manage a spill of diesel fuel which leaked from a ship that sunk off the coast of Greenland, threatening the delicate marine ecosystem of the Arctic waters.

The vessel had reportedly hit a reef and then ran aground on the night of Wednesday to Thursday. Police mentioned that hydrocarbon films could be seen on the water surface in Nanortalik Fjords in the south.

Around 20,000 litres or 5300 gallons of fuel spilt and reached the fjord even though pumps and a floating barrage were installed.

Elements including wind, tides and sea currents posed additional difficulties in efforts to contain the oil spill, said firefighters who had also received additional equipment.

Luckily, all onboard the passenger vessel ‘Adolf Jensen’ evacuated safely.

The 30 m long ship sailing the flag of Greenland, was loaded with 15,000 to 20,000 litres of diesel fuel in its tanks, apart from 1000 litres of engine oil.

The Environment and Civil Protection Ministry requested help from the Arctic Command of the Danish Navy to help clean the leaked fuel.

Police instructed all the ships in the area to be cautious and tread slowly to minimise the disturbance to water.

References: The Local, Times of India

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Source: Maritime Shipping News