On Thursday, a significant oil spill occurred at the port of Ajos in Kemi, Finland, where approximately 10,000 liters of heating oil leaked into the sea. The Lapland Rescue Department has been actively involved in containment and cleanup efforts, having received the alert shortly before 3:30 AM. Initial reports indicate that the spill was caused by a technical malfunction during a ship's refueling, resulting in oil flowing from an overflow pipe into the marine environment.

The rescue operations are focused on mitigating the spill's impact, which, while described as significant, is contained within the port area. Ongoing cleanup efforts are being complicated by cold weather conditions and the presence of ice in the harbor, which hinder the retrieval of the spilled oil. The rescue service is closely monitoring the situation and adjusting response strategies to deal with any shifts in the movement of the oil.

The incident underscores the potential environmental risks associated with maritime operations, particularly in cold-weather conditions. Authorities are ensuring that containment measures are prioritized to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem, while also working under challenging circumstances due to the weather and ice. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness in addressing environmental incidents such as oil spills, highlighting the need for vigilant maintenance of maritime equipment to prevent future occurrences.