Marine pollution threat

Monaco has been put on alert after an oil spill at Genova.

Following a collision between 2 ships in the Mediterranean off the coast of north-west Italy, there are fears that leaked oil will pollute the Monegasque coast. A slick measuring 1 by 0.5 nautical miles is drifting about 7 miles off the coast of the French and Italian Rivieras.

Monaco's coast under threat?

The French Centre Regional Operationnel de Surveillance et de Sauvetage en Mediterranee (CROSSMED) has sent out specialist vessels to fight the pollution, as well as planes to survey the situation. According to CROSSMED the sea around Monaco isn't in danger, however the Government has alerted the Maritime Police, Sapeurs Pompiers (fire service), and the Department of Maritime Affairs to remain vigilant.

News of the environmental pollution was received by the Principality on Monday evening, and the following afternoon the Italians requested the activation of the RAMOGEPOL Intervention Plan. Adopted by Monaco, France and Italy in 1993, the plan's objective is to combat accidental marine pollution. It's part of the close collaboration between the 3 countries that's outlined within the RAMOGE Agreement [1] that was signed in 1970.

The oil slick was last seen out at sea off Cap d'Ail. It remains to be seen where the currents will take it.