Oil clean-up underway at Europe’s largest natural harbour

The leak on March 26 came from a pipeline operated by oil and gas company Perenco, and fears have been raised over the effects the spill may have on a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is home to many species of wild birds.

However by the time a statement from Poole Harbour Commissioners had been released later that day, the pipeline had been closed down, booms placed either side of the leak to minimise pollution and some of the material had already been recovered.

“Perenco advise that there is no risk of any further leakage,” said the statement. ”Early indications are that the surface slick is already dispersing.”

Perenco UK is working closely with the relevant authorities and a clean-up operation is under way,” said the oil firm. 

Franck Dy, Perenco UK’s Wytch Farm onshore oil field general manager, said: “Any spill is an extremely serious matter and a full investigation will be launched to ascertain what happened in Poole Harbour. It is important to stress that the situation is under control, with the discharge of fluids having been stopped and the spill is being contained.”