The Canary Islands Directorate General of Emergencies has extended the high-risk marine pollution alert to five municipalities of Gran Canaria after the fishing vessel Montes y Sabino sank 3.5 miles off the coast last night (Wednesday).
According to the regional government, the alert has been in effect since 9:45am this morning (Thursday) for the municipalities of Telde, Ingenio, Agüimes, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana. This decision has been made in response to the incident and in accordance with the Territorial Emergency Plan for Civil Protection of the Canary Islands (PLATECA).
Maritime Rescue have confirmed the presence of an oil slick measuring between 100 and 150 metres in width and extending for one mile south of the incident site.
The boat was carrying an estimated 2,000 litres of diesel fuel and 50 litres of oil. The oil slick is currently located approximately four miles (7.4 kilometres) east of the Port of Arinaga.
Regarding weather conditions, AEMET has forecast surface winds from the north-northwest throughout the day, with moderate speeds between 20 and 30 kilometres per hour. During daylight hours, the wind intensity is expected to weaken, becoming light and variable in direction. Meanwhile, north-westerly swells between one and two metres in height are anticipated to persist throughout the day.
In response to the environmental risk, the Spanish central government has activated the National Maritime Plan at Emergency Phase Situation 1, maintaining vigilance over the affected area.
