A massive oil spill extending over 1.2 miles has closed three popular beaches in Valencia, Spain, at the height of tourist season.
Beaches Remain Off-Limits
Although the clean-up is complete, the beaches will remain off-limits until water tests confirm safety, officials announced on Wednesday, according to L'independent.
On the morning of July 16, residents and vacationers were shocked to see a vast black stain spreading across the sea. Emergency services worked swiftly, and by Wednesday afternoon, 35 cubic meters of waste had been collected, restoring the coastline to a clean state, according to Valencia's emergency service, 112.
The affected beaches—Saler, l’Arbre del Gos, and La Garrofera—are now closed to swimmers. "The status of the beach will be assessed for a potential reopening, but swimming will not be allowed until water analyses are conducted and results are clear," the emergency service stated.
Unknown Source
The source of the hydrocarbon spill, which impacted part of a natural park in this highly touristic region, remains unidentified. Valencia's Deputy Prefect Raquel Ibanez assured that "all investigative avenues are still open" as maritime authorities continue to patrol the area to prevent further contamination.
On Wednesday, technicians in protective gear were seen scooping up the remaining oil from the beaches. "The entire area where hydrocarbons were detected is now free from pollution, based on inspections conducted both yesterday evening and this morning," Ibanez confirmed.
She emphasized the expertise of the professionals involved in analyzing the substance type and monitoring the oil spill’s progression and impact on the sea.
"The number one goal of the municipality is to return to normalcy," said Juan Carlos Caballero, head of Civil Protection in Valencia, as quoted by the city's official website. "We aim to reopen the beaches for Valencians and tourists as soon as possible."
