Large-scale marine pollution has been reported in Chornomorsk following the Russian attack
Significant water pollution has been detected in the northwestern part of the Black Sea near the port of Chornomorsk, and it is rapidly spreading toward the Odessa coast.
This was reported by the State Environmental Inspection of the Southwestern District.
The cause of the incident is said to be damage to an oil tank resulting from an airstrike on April 26. Following this, oily slicks began to appear in the sea, and their spread has increased over the past 24 hours.
During an inspection, inspectors detected yellowish oily slicks on the water’s surface. According to their data, the pollution extends along the coastline for approximately 700 meters and, in some places, extends into the sea by a distance of one to 15 meters.
“During a visual inspection, yellowish oily spots were detected on the water’s surface. The contamination extends along the coastline for approximately 700 meters,” the inspection noted.
Water samples have been collected for laboratory analysis to determine the composition of the contamination and its impact on the marine ecosystem.
Experts warn that the formation of an oil slick on the sea surface could have serious environmental consequences.
Among the main risks are disruption of gas exchange in the water and oxygen deficiency for marine organisms, the death of small marine fauna, and danger to birds that come into contact with the contaminated surface.
During the inspection, a bird covered in an oily substance was already identified. It was successfully rescued and sent for rehabilitation.
Environmentalists continue to monitor the situation, as the oil slick continues to move toward the open sea and the coast of the Odesa region.
