Irish Coast Guard Finds Oil Spill Near Russian Ships
Date: 17-Feb-09
Country: IRELAND
DUBLIN - A 300-tonne oil spill has occurred around Russian navy ships off Ireland's coast, probably during refuelling, but it is not expected to reach the shore, Ireland's Department of Transport said on Monday.
The spill occurred 50 miles (80 km) south of Fastnet lighthouse, Ireland's most southwesterly point, and has spread over an area measuring four miles by five miles, the department said.
"No collision took place," the department said in a statement. "None of the vessels involved are nuclear."
"The Irish Coast Guard are in contact with the Russian authorities and are monitoring the spill which is breaking up."
(Reporting by Andras Gergely)