The forecasts were bad and unfortunately they got worse. A few days ago, the tragic news of the collision of the bulk carrier OS35 arrived in the Bay of Algeciras, 700 meters from the shore. There were at least 215 tons of heavy fuel oil, 250 tons of diesel and 27 tons of lubricating oil on board. The blow to the hull caused several leaks of this fuel that broke through the anti-pollution barriers set up by the safety device.

Although the situation is under control, some of the hydrocarbon seep is widespread at the southernmost point of Gibraltar. Fuel oil is a highly polluting type of fuel.

What happened? According to the statements of the security forces, the captain of the bulk carrier collided with another ship, not following the instructions of the port authority. The ship continued to sail until a risk to the crew was noticed. After the evacuation, the main problem began: several fuel oil leaks occurred in the two vents of the ship’s tanks. Although three floating barriers were deployed, the low sulfur fuel oil caused a slick surrounding Kaya.

What is fuel? It is a type of fuel that starts from oil and is obtained as a residue in fractional distillation. As noted by EcuRed, it is characterized by being the heaviest fuel that can be distilled at atmospheric pressure. Mainly used for heavy-duty diesel engines or power plants, boilers and furnaces.

As mentioned in this 20 Minutes article, it has a very black color and is very dangerous for the environment. Although the different accompanying substances it contains depend on it: water, sediments, asphaltenes, nitrogen and sulfur, as well as some metals.

Cleaning job. After the spill, the priority was to capture the fuel that escaped the containment explosion and floated to the sea. This maneuver is very complex due to the great stiffness and pollution capacity of this less refined fuel. Its extraction is done via pumps that direct the diesel onto a barge. scraper located near the sunken ship. For now, the pullback has focused on diesel, which is already 80%.

What consequences could there be? Possible arrival ashore. Although they say the situation is under control. Despite this, there has been a “hydrocarbon flow” reaching Punta Europa, according to Antonio Muñoz, spokesperson for Ecologists Action in Campo de Gibraltar. They explain that it has become an urgency to unload all cargo on board because it is in an area included in the Natura 2000 Network and is a migration route for whales, dolphins and turtles.

Pictures: Marcos Moreno (GTRES).