The Port Authority of Las Palmas has confirmed that the oil spill from the fishing vessel Monte Arballu, which sank at Puerto Naos in Arrecife on Tuesday, is under control and poses no risk to the public or marine environment.
The fishing boat sank while docked at the quay. In a precautionary measure, the Port Authority deployed two absorbent booms around the vessel’s hull, along with an additional containment boom and absorbent socks to address any potential fuel leaks.
According to the vessel’s owner, the boat could hold approximately 10,000 litres of diesel. The Port Authority reported that only a small amount has surfaced, with the majority still contained within the tank.
The Authority explained that diesel is a light fuel that can evaporate due to solar radiation, wave action, or mechanical dispersion.
The vessel’s owner is currently working on locating resources to refloat the ship. Before starting these operations, divers will clean any movable items on deck.
Once refloated, plans are in place to locate and plug the source of the leak that caused the sinking. After ensuring the vessel’s buoyancy, it will be transported to the Puerto Calero Marinas shipyard for repairs.
