From the ship that burned in Orio, 18,900 litres of diesel have been extracted

The Basque Government has reported that the extractionof fuel from the Gure Gaskuña ship has been completed with a total extraction of 18,900 litres, the next step being the withdrawal of the vessel.

The ship was set on fire on 24 September. Two people were taken to Donostia Hospital and, as a result of the smoke, thecitizens of Orio and Aia were called upon to close the windows. The maritime pollution alert was also activated in order to monitor the work planned tobring the ship back to the surface and a ban on bathing on the beach and on the river. In addition, preventive measures have been taken to prevent marine pollution, including by placing containment barriers around the ship.

The Orio City Council asked Lakua this week to resolvethe situation immediately. On order the withdrawal of the ship, it is necessary for the shipowner to present the action plan. It has already submitted the document, which is currently being studied by the technical services of the Basque Government. The Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries has ensured that it will respond as quickly as possible.

The Director of Ports, Maritime Affairs and Coastal Affairs of the Basque Government, Koldo Goitia, has stated that the aim is to carry out the operation with all the necessary security guarantees and protecting the environment.