Iran launches operation to seal an expanding leak off Persian Gulf rig
Iranian authorities say a major leak that has taken place off an oil rig in the Persian Gulf waters is being contained as they insist more work would be needed to stanch the expanding spill.
Head of the local branch of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) in the southwestern province of Blushehr said on Tuesday that the leak had been spotted from an oil transfer pipeline connected to the Abuzar Oil Platform located around 13 kilometers off Kharg, the island from which Iran sells much of its crude.
Siavosh Arjmandzadeh said the leak covered an area of around 24 kilometers to 100 meters, adding that it might expand if not contained soon.
“... The clean-up operation has started but because of the intensity and the possibility for expansion of contamination there is need for more equipment and reinforcement,” said Arjmandzadeh.
The official said four vessels had already been dispatched to the area to spray dispersants on the leak, adding that neither the PMO nor the Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC), which owns the oil rig, would be able to fully contain the leak on their own.
He said efforts were being coordinated at regional and national levels to accelerate the clean-up operation.
There was no immediate comment from Iran’s Oil Ministry, which operates the oil installations off Kharg.
The new leak comes more than two months after local authorities and environmental NGOs contributed to a clean-up operation for an oil spill of a smaller size in the region
Iran further raises its oil prices for Chinese buyers: Report
Iran to launch major pressure-boosting projects in South Pars
Iran’s oil exports to China won’t drop because of Trump: Expert
VIDEO | Israel puts Beirut under back-to-back assaults as Hezbollah says Netanyahu won’t succeed
A siege within siege: 130,000 children under 10 trapped in northern Gaza
Top general: Iran’s deterrent power evolved to address modern maritime threats
Israeli forces kill two young Palestinians in occupied West Bank raid
Hezbollah breaks record of anti-Israel ops; four million settlers run for their lives
Iran rejects involvement in murder of Israeli rabbi in UAE
‘Israel at dead end’: Army chief vows Iran’s lasting support for resistance
Hezbollah executes record 51 military operations against Israel in a single day
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
