Several Gran Canaria Beaches Closed Following Oil Spill

Spanish authorities have shut down multiple beaches on the island of Gran Canaria following an oil spill on September 4th. Beaches including La Restinga, Palos, El Barranquillo, and San Bordon were closed as the oil began nearing the coastline.

The spill occurred during the refueling of the vessel Akhisar at Las Palmas port, according to a social media post from Salvamento Maritimo, Spain's maritime rescue organization. The leak resulted in three tonnes of IFO 180, a low-sulfur fuel oil, being released into the water.

Gran Canaria’s governing council president reported that the spill affected an area 2.5 kilometers long and 400 meters wide, drifting toward the southern coast near Telde.

Authorities quickly responded with efforts to contain and monitor the spill. Drones and helicopters were deployed to aid in the cleanup process.

Akhisar, a general cargo ship registered under Liberia's flag, departed from Las Palmas on September 7th. As reported by Marine Traffic, the vessel is bound for Praia, Cape Verde, with an expected arrival date of September 11th.