MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Heavy fuel spill out of control threatens marine life

Chilean legislators have called upon the government to declare the coast in the northern city of Antofagasta a catastrophe area following the oil spill by a Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship which ran aground last Monday and apparently seems out of control.

"The oil spill in Antofagasta has become an ecological disaster and people are fearful of the environmental impact and consequences for the coastal fishing industry", said Senator Carmen Frei.

So far there has been no official report as to the extent and volume of the spill from the "Eider" but the Antofagasta press reported that a five kilometres long trail along the coast which has reached some beaches famous for surfing can be easily seen.

Senator Frei urged immediate aid for local coastal fishermen and resources to help begin clearing beaches and coves. The area is also rich in marine fauna including sea lions, sea gulls, pelicans, cormorants and turtles.

When news of the accident last Monday authorities sent tugboats to pull the Eider away from the rocks, but the vessel had already begun leaking heavy fuel, leaving a foul-smelling black sludge report local residents.

The freighter was in Chile to pick up a load of copper for delivery to Hong Kong. Biologist Carlos Guerra, who teaches at the University of Antofagasta, said the fuel spill represents a new threat to coastal waters already harmed by leaks from oil installations in the region.

"I never expected such a depressing sight in my own city, showing how damaging man's actions can be", underlined Mr. Guerra.

Volunteers from the Antofagasta University Environment and Biology Department managed to rescue thirteen rare green turtles (chelonian mydas) but there is concern about other marine birds which continue in the fuel covered waters.

Legal actions have begun against the vessel's owners and captain.