An oil spill in the Kemi port has led to ongoing cleanup efforts as environmental officials work to contain approximately 10,000 liters of oil that entered the sea, with about 4,000 liters recovered so far.
The Kemi port has been the site of a significant oil spill, where around 10,000 liters of fuel oil leaked into the sea early Thursday morning due to a fueling operation involving the port's tugboat and icebreaker. This incident has triggered immediate cleanup efforts that are expected to continue through the weekend. Mika Hyvärinen, the chief of the Lapland Rescue Service, indicated that approximately 4,000 liters of oil have already been recovered from the harbor basin, emphasizing the urgent need to mitigate environmental impacts and prevent further spread of the oil beyond the harbor area.
The cleanup operation is being coordinated closely with other authorities and environmental experts, focusing on minimizing environmental damage caused by the spill. Cold weather and icy sea conditions have complicated the response efforts, but authorities have contained the affected area within the harbor to prevent the oil from spreading into open waters. Hyvärinen noted that the operation will persist for as long as it is deemed necessary from an environmental protection standpoint.
Additionally, the Border Guard is launching an investigation into the incident, signaling the seriousness of the spill and the commitment to understanding the circumstances surrounding it. This investigation by the Rajavartiolaitos will explore the causes of the spill and determine potential accountability, highlighting the importance of maritime safety and environmental protection in Finland.
