Oil slick that forced three beaches to close in Spain’s Valencia sparks investigation

THE Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the oil slick that forced the closure of three beaches in the south of Valencia City.

The spill was detected on Tuesday and reached the beaches at El Saler, l’Arbre del Gos and Garrofera.

Valencia mayor, Maria Jose Catala, visited El Saler on Friday and said her council will provide any relevant information to prosecutors.

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Officials have asked for reports from the Guardia Civil’s environment unit Seprona, as well as the Maritime Captaincy and the Ministry of Environment.

Around 35 cubic metres of waste was collected as nearly three kilometres of coastline was cleared up.

The beaches reopened to the public on Thursday and swimming has been allowed again after tests showed there were no problems with water quality.

“We want to be part of the process and want to pursue the person responsible for this spill and for him to assume full responsibility,” said Mayor Jose Catala.

The mayor added that a ship was responsible and it was up to prosecutors to analyse the facts.

“Anybody responsible will pay the consequences,” she added.

Maritime Rescue is tracking and reviewing all the vessels that passed through the area leading up to the appearance of the slick.