S-6 slide 1

Oil Spill

May 1999

S-6 slide 2

Oil Spill

• A sudden and violent storm occurs on the Black Sea in late May

• Three commercial freighters send an S.O.S. at 0400

• And a Dutch oil tanker reports to coastal patrol that it is leaking oil and is in danger of sinking

– The tanker is heading to Varna for repairs

– Speed is 3 knots, distance from Varna 27 n.m.

S-6 slide 3

Oil Spill — cont’d

• Weather forecast

– Storm will abate by morning

» But strong shore winds are anticipated for at least two days

– Due to adverse weather, any oil spill within 10 miles of the coast will be extremely difficult to contain

»Damage to beaches is likely

S-6 slide 4

Oil Spill — cont’d

• For the first time in a number of years there are large numbers of tourists in the coastal resorts near Varna

– Concerned over the effect on tourism, authorities in Varna advise the Dutch ship not to move toward the coast

• Initial visual contact by coastal helicopters – Contrary to instructions Dutch tanker appears

headed toward Varna