Authorities in Gibraltar, a British overseas territory at the southern point of the Iberian peninsula, announced on Wednesday that a bulk carrier that collided with an LNG tanker off Gibraltar began spewing fuel oil. The Gibraltar port was forced to close for four hours on Tuesday because to the mishap. It later reopened in full.
The bulk carrier OS 35's hull cracked, according to the authorities, but it did not split into two pieces.
"There has been a substance leak from the vessel as a result of the movement arising from its break. Initial investigations indicate that this is lube oil," the Gibraltar government said in a statement."
Current evidence suggests the fuel on board is well contained and it is hoped that offloading can begin tomorrow." The vessel OS 35, which was going out of the bay while carrying more than 400 tonnes of gasoline and a load of steel bars, was involved in the incident.
The ADAM LNG, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands, docked at Malta before sailing to Gibraltar. It is still anchored close to the scene of the collision.
In order to ensure that it could be properly beached and reduce the risk of the ship sinking, the Gibraltar Port Authority steered the OS 35 to the east side. The ship's crew of 24 people was rescued.