An oil slick that originated from a power plant on Syria’s Mediterranean coast and threatened the Karpas Peninsula on the northern part of Cyprus appears to be breaking up north of the island according to authorities.

Published 3 years ago

Update 24 September, 2021:

Karpaz Gate Marina reports that the oil spill has now moved away from the coast of Northern Cyprus thanks to shifting winds. It was encouraging to see the way Turkey and North Cyprus worked together to monitor the progress of the slick and to prepare the most effective emergency response to protect beaches and wildlife. Although the danger has passed for the Karpaz region, efforts are ongoing to clean up the oil spill, including the use of marine pads to absorb the oil on the surface and vacuuming systems.

Original Report 04 September, 2021:

Serhan Aktunç, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), said that the oil spill has moved further north and away from the TRNC coasts.

Aktunç explained that as the large mass was heading north, barriers were placed in front of the small pieces moving towards the TRNC coast. The TRNC Environment Department’s teams in Karpaz started to scan all the southern coasts of Karpaz with three vehicles, in addition to satellite observations.

Environment Department teams will check the beaches every two hours in case of any waste that escapes the eyes of the ships or approaches the beach.

“Weather conditions continue to be in our favour with fragmentation and collapse of the oil spill,” Aktunç said. “We will continue to be cautious for a few more days.  There is no problem in our seas, but we ask people to be cautious.”

Karpaz Gate Marina on the Karpaz Peninsula reported to Noonsite: “We are monitoring the situation closely to ensure our marina and the vicinity is safe for our clients and guests. Protection of the environment is hugely important to us and we stand ready to respond and provide assistance if required.”

The slick is reported to have originated last week when there was a spill from the Syrian power plant, which is inside the Baniyas oil refinery, according to Syrian State Media.

The BBC News website reported that satellite imagery showed the slick spreading north along the Syrian coast before moving westwards towards Cyprus.

Authorities in Cyprus began monitoring the slick when modelling suggested that it would reach Cape Apostolos Andreas, the northern-most point of the peninsula, which is only about 130km (80 miles) from Baniyas.

The Karpas Peninsula has become a popular area for boats cruising the eastern Mediterranean.  It is only 64kms south of Turkey and is renowned for pristine and uncrowded waters.

The prime minister of Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus said it was taking all necessary measures to prevent the slick causing damage and was receiving assistance from Turkey.

The Syrian Government has deployed teams of personnel to clean up the oil from rocky areas of the Syrian coastline north of the where the oil was spilled.

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Related News:

Oil Slick Breaking Up and Dissolving (Cyprus Mail)

Cyprus on Alert as Syrian Oil Slick Spreads (BBC)

Turkey working to keep Syrian Oil Slick from Cyprus (Anadolu Agency)

Government Ready to Tackle Oil Spill (Cyprus Mail)

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Karpaz Gate Marina

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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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