The
Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition's preliminary report on the
environmental impact of the Explorer ship's sinking in Antarctica
revealed that the Explorer was carrying approximately 48,870
gallons of diesel and 317 gallons of gasoline when it sank in the
Bransfield Strait near the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic
Peninsula.
According to the
report, Chilean officials recorded an initial surface oil slick on
Nov. 25 and 26 that measured nearly one mile in length. "Chilean
authorities deployed an icebreaker to the region and began to
mechanically disperse the oil spill," the ASOC report
stated.
According to the
ASOC, oil spills in icy waters are difficult to treat. "In the case
of the M/S Explorer," ASOC stated, "oil is rising from a depth of
1,000 meters through strong currents to arrive under a cover of sea
ice. The only thing that can be done for now is to encourage the
natural dispersion of the oil by mechanical means, i.e.
stirring."
Nevertheless, the
report went on to state that over time, oil spills naturally break
up from wind and wave activity, but that this process is slowed
down by the low temperatures in the Southern Ocean.
As far as wildlife
endangerment is concern, the report cautioned that "the high
toxicity of gasoline and diesels can have significant impact on
wildlife and local environment."
According to the
ASOC, Chilean officials claimed that approximately 2, 500 birds,
namely penguins, were in and around the site of the Explorer
sinking. ASOC stated that physical contact with the oil, toxic
contamination by ingestion or inhalation and sea ice pollution
could all potentially threaten the local wildlife.
With regards to the
clean up and liability, the ASOC questioned who would be
responsible.
According to the
organization, the Explorer poses a challenge because it is owned by
Canadian-based operator GAP Adventures, and licensed in Liberia,
and is not part of the national Antarctic program.
"How to address such
environmental emergencies in the Antarctic," the report stated, "is
left in a legal vacuum."
To
contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to [email protected].