An oil spill measure over 1,000 meters was located off the coast of Kythira and was likely caused by a passing ship on Saturday. The ship that caused the oil spill has not yet been identified, due to the adverse weather conditions in the area.
Local Mayor Efstratios Charchalakis told the Athens-Macedonia News Agency that the oil spill has caused serious problems, particularly in the area of Agia Pelagia, where the oil has washed up on the shore. The strong winds have exacerbated the situation.
Mr. Charchalakis told AMNA that there is a “clearly illegal” anchorage in the Laconic Gulf operating with the support of local interests and also complained that ships cross through the northern passage of the island, where there are no international waters. The mayor claimed that many ship repair companies appear to operate in Neopoli, which is illegal.
In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Shipping and the Regional Governor of Attica, the mayor outlined the environmental disaster being caused by the oil spill and called authorities to provide the necessary resources and skilled personnel to address the situation before it gets worse. He also called for an investigation to be carried out to identify and locate the ship that caused the oil spill.
Coast Guard officials have commented that an investigation has been launched and oil samples will be taken from ships at the nearby anchorage. The Coast Guard also noted that it is in coordination with the municipal authorities so that a clean up operation can be launched as soon as the strong winds calm down.
