On Sunday, the Israeli government closed all beaches on the Mediterranean Sea. All because of an oil spill from an unidentified ship. Officials believe it is one of the greatest environmental disasters in the history of the country.
Last week, environmental organizations began reporting tar pieces on Israel’s coast after a severe storm. The Ministry of Environment and activists estimate that at least 1,000 tons of tar landed ashore.
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Closed beaches in Israel
Since Saturday thousands of volunteers help remove tarand several volunteers were hospitalized for inhaling toxic fumes. The military also sent troops to help with the operation.
The ministry is looking for a potential source of the leak, i.e. a ship sailing around 50 km from the coast on February 11. Satellite images and modeling of wave movements are intended to help narrow down the search.
As reported by Environment Minister Gila Gamliel, there were nine units in the area at that time. It is more than likely that we will be able to locate the correct statek – she added.
If that happens, Israel could take legal action, for example file a claim for damages that would help deal with the environmental disaster.
Environmental groups have published, among others pictures of sea turtles covered with thick oil. The Israeli Ministry of Agriculture determined that a dead whale found on a beach in the southern part of the country died from the ingestion of a petroleum substance.
RadioZET.pl/PAP
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