Firefighters Work to Control Fuel Spill from Sunken Vessel

Firefighters are working to manage a fuel spill caused by the sinking of the research ship Adolf Jensen near the coast of Greenland.

The 70 dwt vessel struck a reef and became grounded on the evening of September 18. Authorities have observed a visible layer of oil in the waters of the Nanortalik fjords. The ship had approximately 15,000 to 20,000 liters of diesel fuel and about 1,000 liters of engine oil on board.

Despite ongoing containment efforts using pumps and floating barriers, the local tides, winds, and ocean currents are complicating the process. Ships passing through the area have been instructed to travel slowly to prevent stirring up the oil and worsening the situation.

Both firefighters and police have received additional resources to help limit the spread of the spill. The Ministry of Environment and Civil Protection has also sought assistance from the Danish Navy's Arctic Command to help recover the spilled fuel.