Warning after Salcombe oil spill

AN oil spill from a fishing boat in the early hours on Tuesday in the Salcombe estuary has been brought under control.

The Salcombe Harbour team were alerted to a pollution incident at Batson Fish Quay and activated their Oil Spill Contingency Plan, after finding a quantity of red diesel in the water.

Tier One booms were deployed around the vessel to make sure the spill was quickly contained and to stop oil spreading to sensitive estuary areas.

Councillor Julian Brazil, chairman of Salcombe Harbour Board, said: “I’m very thankful to the Harbour team for their quick actions which has avoided a more serious pollution incident in the estuary and harbour.

“The team train for these unfortunate possibilities and it this training that has paid dividends.

“In the meantime, I urge residents and dog walkers to take extra care when doing their daily exercise until the residual oil has completely degraded.”

Although there was an oily sheen over the water, there was little sign of pollution on the shoreline with the small exception of an area of diesel against the western shore of Snapes Point, a council spokesman said.

The spokesman added: “Water conditions prevented the recovery of some remaining oil. Although this will break down, it may still present a hazard. Therefore, as a temporary precaution, it is suggested that dog walkers avoid the affected shoreline, walkers take extra care to wash their hands before eating, and no wild shellfish are hand-gathered from the shore.”