Suez Tanker Spill Causes Environmental Damage

Published Mar 8, 2006 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

An oil spill caused by a leaking tanker in the Suez Canal has resulted in $12 million in environmental damage, Egypt's environment minister said.

The Liberian-flagged "Grigoroussa 1" leaked 3,000 tons of heavy fuel into the canal, also affecting nearby tourist resorts and residents. While it is too early to assess the overall impact on local residents and businesses, canal authorities have already received 1,320 complaints relating to the spill.

Officials said on Tuesday that the slick had spread 30km.

The tanker, which was headed south from the Mediterranean late on Sunday, broke down and drifted into a quay. About 3,000 of the 58,000 tons of its heavy fuel cargo leaked into the canal, while the rest was safely pumped out.

Tugs rescued the stricken vessel so as not to block traffic through the canal, which is Egypt's third largest source of revenue. A day's closure costs an estimated income loss of $7 million.