Oil pollution off Kurzeme coast: lab results rule out historic source, suspicion turns to a ship
Laboratory analysis commissioned by Latvia's State Environmental Service shows the oil pollution found along the Kurzeme coast consists mainly of light petroleum products rather than being historic contamination as initially suspected. Authorities are now trying to identify a ship that may have illegally discharged oil into the sea.
Latvia's State Environmental Service (VVD) has received laboratory results on the oil pollution detected along the Kurzeme coastline. The analysis found that the samples mainly contain light petroleum products — predominantly diesel fuel and gas oil.
Historic-origin theory dropped
The results do not support an earlier working theory that the pollution washed up on the coast originated from older, historic spills. This points investigators toward a more recent source of contamination.
Further investigation planned
While the lab results give the VVD initial insight into the composition of the pollution, the agency says more detailed analysis and investigation are needed to pin down its exact origin.
Ship under suspicion
The VVD is working with other responsible institutions in Latvia and abroad to identify the vessel believed to have illegally discharged petroleum products into the sea. The pollution had earlier been spotted via drone over the Baltic Sea, prompting a National Armed Forces vessel to head to the site, while the Ventspils municipality urged residents to avoid the city's beach.
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