A partial state of disaster has been declared in Varna, located on the Black Sea, to aid in the clean-up of a fuel oil slick that washed up on the shore on Monday. The decision was made by the crisis management centre, led by Regional Governor Andriana Andreeva, and included the participation of various relevant agencies.
The state of disaster will remain in effect for seven days, according to Andreeva. During this period, clean-up efforts will continue, and tests on samples will be conducted. The duration of the declaration may be extended if necessary.
Andreeva did not disclose the cost of the clean-up, stating that the total expense will be determined once the work is completed. Funding will then be requested from an interdepartmental commission for government recovery assistance.
Valentin Enchev, head of the Maritime Administration, reported that six of the nine vessels waiting to enter Varna Port have been inspected. These vessels may be linked to the pollution, but no violations have been found so far.
On Tuesday morning, inspectors discovered small fuel oil pellets on Galata beach. The Basin Directorate, led by Yavor Dimitrov, took samples from the affected area, with test results expected in a few days.
Satellite images received on Tuesday morning show a dark slick about 16 kilometers offshore. The source of this slick is still under investigation.
Varna’s Deputy Mayor Ilia Koev confirmed that the City Hall will assist with the clean-up and ongoing monitoring of the shoreline.
Erdzhan Sebaytin, head of the regional environment and water inspectorate, stated that the pollution was intentional, and the responsible party will face the strictest penalties. He emphasized that this incident could damage Varna’s reputation as a tourist destination, especially just before the holiday season. Sebaytin plans to bring the matter to the prosecution service.
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