Oil spill forces closure of Athens beaches

An oil spill from a sunken tanker has led to the closure of beaches in Athens. The vessel, Agia Zoni II, was carrying 2,500 tonnes of fuel when it sank […]

An oil spill from a sunken tanker has led to the closure of beaches in Athens.

The vessel, Agia Zoni II, was carrying 2,500 tonnes of fuel when it sank while at anchor in the early hours of Sunday.

Thick tar and oil pollution drifted towards residential coastal areas.

The European Commission has helped mobilise support following a request for assistance to deal with the marine pollution incident in the sea area of Piraeus.

Greece has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism requesting a vessel to help with the clean-up operations.

Christos Stylianides, Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management said: “The oil recovery vessel offered by the European Maritime Safety Agency has already started response activities in the affected area.”

Latest Podcast