Divers are on their way to a German cargo ship currently that was damaged yesterday, Vísir reports. Environmental concerns surround the ship due to the possibility of an oil leak. Although damage to the ship has been confirmed, the extent of it is not yet known.
En route to Rotterdam
The cargo ship in question ran aground yesterday, September 10, near Akurey, a small island outside of Reykjavík harbour. A possible oil spill was detected in the area and the Coast Guard’s search and rescue team was called in for assistance. The ship, which was on its way to Rotterdam, returned to harbour.
An environmental protection barrier was placed around the ship.
Ágeir Erlendsson, information officer for the Coast Guard, stated to Vísir: “We saw this thin film of oil, both from Óðinn’s (a Coast Guard ship) observation deck and from a helicopter fly-over. This thin film was seen where the ship ran aground. That’s why it’s heading into the harbour, and we will then further quarantine it.”
Divers assessing damage
However, as of today, September 11, the oil leak is yet to be confirmed. Divers are currently on their way to the ship to further assess the situation.
The ship is on lease to Eimskip from its owner, German logistics company Peter Döhle.
“The divers are on their way to assess the damage,” stated There is some damage, and it is uncertain whether the ship can sail. Most likely, some repairs will need to be carried out, but we do not know the extent of them,” stated Edda Rut Björnsdóttir, a representative for Eimskip. “There is some damage, and it is uncertain whether the ship can sail. Most likely, some repairs will need to be carried out, but we do not know the extent of them.”
The Environment Agency has been informed, and a transportation investigation committee is said to be conducting an investigation into the matter.
