 |
|
Envisat ASAR, WS, VV-polarization February 14, 2009, 22:15 UTC Celtic Sea Oil patches 1 - 5: area 80, 9, 23, 5, and 26 sq.km. 14 February 2009, during a surveillance carried out by European Maritime Safety Agency a large oil spill was registered in the Celtic Sea. Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, a Russian oil tanker and a Russian oceangoing tug were observed near the oil slick. Russia's authorities confirmed that a Russian aircraft carrier had refuelled in the area. Estimates hold that 300 to 1000 tons of oil was spilt to the sea. The patch is expected to reach the shore of Ireland in early March. By that time, part of the oil will evaporate and most of the rest will likely develop into tar balls that often wash ashore. |