Oil spill turns Greek island bay black and is deemed 'environmental disaster'
It is thought thousands of marine animals, both over and underwater could be affected
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Greek island is suffering from an “ecological disaster” after a tanker carrying more than 2,000 tons of crude oil sunk off the coast.
Drone footage captured the scale of pollution on the island of Salamis after a 45-year-old Agia Zoni II took on water near Athens over the weekend.
It subsequently sank, leaving a spill of oil spreading across almost a mile. It is thought thousands of marine animals, both over and underwater could be affected.
The images taken by Up Drones show Selinia bay turning black. Large amounts of oil can also be seen washed ashore.
The Salamis Municipality said the oil had reached the beaches of Kinosoura and Selinia.
In a statement the local government said: “The damage is great. The municipality will take legal action for damages and full liability of the ecological disaster. Companies with experience in such incidents have assured us that they will restore the coast and the sea to the former situation."
A resident of Selinia, told the Keep Talking Greece blog that the oil's smell had woken them up.
“We went to the beach and saw several ships, we heard a tanker had sunk," they said. “Later we found a dead bird. We were proud of Selinia, now it will take several years until it is clear again.”
The mayor of Salamis, Isidora Nannou-Papathanasiou, has called on the Greek ministries of Marine and Environment to accelerate efforts and send more resources to work against the pollution.
It is not yet known how the tanker sank but it is reported that two members of the crew were rescued.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments