The oil spill in the region of Sozopol is under control, there is no danger neither for environment, nor for the tourists, stated the Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, Ivaylo Moskovski, and the Minister of Environment and Waters, Nino Dimov, at a briefing following a meeting of Burgas Regional Administration Operational Team.
Ministers Moskovski and Dimov participated in the meeting under the explicit order of the Prime Minister Boyko Borissov. "All of us have to remain calm now as even the smallest amount of spill is enclosed," added Minister Moskovski. In his words, the storm and the strong underwater currents most probably compromised the nearly 100-year-old vessel. Today a drone will be flown to investigate the polluted area and the cutter of Executive Agency “Maritime Administration” is readily available.
The containment booms prevent spills, said Ivaylo Moskovski. In his opinion, the oil in the old underwater vessel has to be drained. “The European Maritime Safety Agency’s vessel that we have at our disposal will collect the spills from the tanks. Today, we will have talks with two companies that have equipment and could offer solutions for draining the oil in the vessel|.” Minister Moskovski assured that the measures are timely and are ongoing as they speak.
The Minister of Environment and Waters, Neno Dimov, confirmed that heavy fuel oil pollution does not pose any danger to the tourist activities. The samples taken by EA "Maritime Administration" were sent to a laboratory for substance analysis, which will take 5 to 7 days to obtain results. Minister Dimov added that the beaches are being inspected excessively. Concessionaires are instructed to clean up in case of any contamination. Regular sampling will continue.
