Five tonnes of oil recovered from Bugibba bay

Five tonnes of oil have been collected from Bugibba bay in an operation by the Oil Pollution Response Module after a spill was noticed on Thursday.

Unit head Tony Mallia said work was expected to continue today to collect all the oil. The cause of the spill was not yet known, he said, adding that investigations were in the hands of the Malta Maritime Authority.

Apart from oil close to shore, a patch of oil was also spotted floating about two miles offshore. Mr Mallia said about two tonnes of oil were collected on Thursday and another three yesterday. In all, 20 tanks having a capacity of 45 gallons each were filled.

The Public Health Department informed the public on Thursday that bathing along Islet Promenade up to Bay Square was not recommended because of oil pollution.

Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday expressed concern about the oil slick. Its environment and rural affairs spokesman Mark Causon said it was "very disconcerting" that while the oil pollution team were clearing the oil from the sea and rocks, families and children were still swimming. "No warning signs to prevent people from swimming were put up," he said.

AD is calling for an investigation into the possible sources of the oil slick.

"It is about time that the bay is reserved for swimming only. In order to reduce the risk of pollution and to increase safety for bathers, boats should not be allowed to enter the bay," Mr Causon said.