Oily slicks in Odesa: What’s polluting the sea and killing birds

Massive Russian strikes on Odesa region’s port infrastructure damaged sunflower oil storage tanks. The breaches allowed large quantities of oil to spill onto the site, eventually reaching the estuary and the Black Sea.

Head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration Oleh Kiper reported the situation.

He said that in the initial days after the strike, rescue teams encountered major obstacles. The enemy’s continued attacks on the region prevented specialists from working effectively.

«For the first two days after the strike, the port was under nonstop enemy fire, so leak containment could only proceed in brief pauses between air raid alerts, with strict safety measures in place for personnel, ” Oleh Kiper said.

Even under harsh conditions and constant alarms, teams managed step by step to set up protective booms to stop the oil from spreading.

«To prevent further spread of the contamination, the Pivdenniy port administration has sealed the port channel with two layers of booms. The port’s waters remain temporarily closed until the vegetable oil spill is fully cleaned up, ” the statement said.

Specialized vessels are removing the oil from the water surface, while extra pumps work along the coast to contain the spill.

Regional authorities in Odesa say the spill was vegetable oil — a naturally biodegradable substance, not toxic petroleum. Still, local wildlife has felt the impact.

«Right now, the Odesa Zoo is treating birds affected by the oil in the water, ” the regional governor reported.

The State Environmental Inspectorate for the Southwest District is keeping a close eye on water quality and tracking war-related environmental damage. Experts will provide a final assessment of the contamination once cleanup is finished.