In a statement, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) explains that the pollution outbreak in the Tagus River is being combated by members of the Lisbon Port Authority, and that it was caused “due to a spill of around 400 litres of fuel oil, following a refuelling manoeuvre between two ships, on the Tagus River, downstream of the 25 de Abril Bridge”.

According to the note, after the incident was alerted, a pollution control intervention team from the Lisbon Port Authority went to the site, “placing protective barriers around the two ships, to contain and mitigate the effects of the spill, and it was possible to collect part of the polluting material”.

According to the note, “some sources of pollution were also detected near the Oeiras Marina and on Torre beach”, and a team from the Lisbon Port Authority was carrying out work to remove and clean the polluting material.

The Municipal Civil Protection of Oeiras had already closed “all and any activity” at Torre beach, in the district of Lisbon, “for an indefinite period” due to the spill.

In a post published on social media, the municipality of Oeiras informs the population that access to Torre beach is prohibited due to contamination by crude oil.

According to the note, the beach is closed, sand and sea, “and is closed for an indefinite period to guarantee everyone’s safety”.

The publication also reports that information about the incident will be updated through official channels “as soon as the situation changes.”

A source from Oeiras City Council told Lusa that the fuel spill “is increasing, with Santo Amaro Beach and Paço de Arcos Beach also being closed”.

Speaking to Lusa, the Portuguese Navy spokesperson previously explained that the spill occurred during the early hours of the morning, “downstream of the 25 de Abril Bridge”, during a ship’s refueling.

According to Commander Ricardo Sá Granja, pollution control equipment is on site, adding that the case has already been reported to the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Maritime Police are conducting the investigation into the incident.

The official said the incident occurred between a Portuguese ship, which had the fuel, and another flying the Dutch flag.

Related article: