- 39 litres of waste oil were dumped near Cheonghak Waterfront Park.
- Coast Guard completes cleanup within hours.
- Drone and sample analysis identify the responsible vessel.
The Busan Regional Maritime Police Agency announced on the 30th that they have detained a 41-year-old Russian national, referred to as Mr A, on suspicion of breaching the Marine Environment Management Act. He’s accused of dumping oil into the sea and then fleeing without taking the necessary precautions, reports The Chosun Daily.
Oil Spill Near Cheonghak Waterfront Park
This incident took place on the morning of the 24th, close to Cheonghak Waterfront Park in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, where around 39 litres of waste oil were released into the ocean. Female divers who stumbled upon the spill reported it at about 9:57 a.m., which triggered an immediate response. Containment vessels and personnel were dispatched, and the cleanup was wrapped up by 3:35 p.m. that same day.
Identification Through Drone and Sample Analysis
The Busan Coast Guard utilised a drone to monitor the oil’s spread and track the vessel responsible for the spill. They were able to confirm that the oil samples taken from both the sea and the vessel matched.
Cause Traced to Valve Malfunction
During their investigation, the coast guard initially faced challenges in pinpointing the exact source of the leak. After a thorough four-day inspection of the engine room, they found that the spill was caused by a worn-out intermediate valve that failed while waste oil was being transferred to a tank for engine repairs. A crew member’s confession corroborated their findings.
Compensation and Accountability
The Busan Coast Guard intends to seek compensation from the vessel’s operators for the costs incurred, which include manpower and the oil-absorbent materials used during the containment efforts.
Official Statement
A Busan Coast Guard official stated, “This case is a representative success story combining the systematic investigation and relentless pursuit of Busan Coast Guard’s marine pollution response specialists,” adding, “We will continue to focus all our capabilities on protecting a clean and safe ocean.”
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Source: The Chosun Daily
