Diesel Spill Triggers Pollution Plan in Santa Cruz Port

A diesel spill on Sunday night in the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has triggered the marine pollution plan. The incident happened in the East Dock, opposite the María Jiménez neighborhood, in the coastal area of Tenerife's capital city.

Sources from the Port Authority of Tenerife confirmed that the spill occurred during an operation. A ship named the 'Cap Mejean', contracted by the Port Authority, was supplying fuel from the company Petrocan to other vessels docked in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

This floating fuel station was taking on diesel in the East Dock when a hose accidentally detached, causing fuel to spill into the sea within the docks. The Port Authority of Tenerife quickly activated its anti-pollution protocol.

Initially, the amount of diesel spilled is not thought to be very significant. However, officials will need to wait until early Monday morning to more accurately determine the full extent of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Port of Santa Cruz immediately placed special barriers to contain the diesel and prevent it from spreading, as required by the National Contingency Plan for Accidental Marine Pollution.

Following established protocols, the Port Authority also informed the relevant central government and Canary Islands government authorities about the situation.