Satellite Pics: Ship Leaking Oil Off Gibraltar, Concerns Over Environment Damage

A bulk carrier that collided with an LNG tanker off Gibraltar started leaking fuel oil, authorities in the British overseas territory on the southern tip of the Iberian peninsula said on Wednesday.

The collision on Tuesday forced the closure of the Gibraltar port for four hours. It was later fully reopened. The hull of the bulk carrier OS 35 broke, authorities said, but the vessel has not separated into two parts.

An overview of the port of Gibraltar with OS 35 ship and Adam LNG tanker. High res here

"There has been a substance leak from the vessel as a result of the movement arising from its break. Initial investigations indicate that this is lube oil," the Gibraltar government said in a statement. "Current evidence suggests the fuel on board is well contained and it is hoped that offloading can begin tomorrow."

An overview of OS 35 ship and Catalan Bay in Gibraltar. High res here

Satellite imagery firm Maxar collected new imagery today of the damaged OS 35 bulk carrier ship that collided with the LNG tanker. On today's imagery, the OS 35 ship is seen in Catalan Bay approximately 700 metres offshore with several tug boats positioned nearby.

A close-up view of OS 35 ship taking on water in Catalan Bay, Gibraltar. High res here

The ship is partially submerged with water covering the bow section and is reportedly resting on the seabed at a depth of approximately 17 metres. The LNG tanker, also seen in today's satellite image, is positioned southwest of the port and reportedly only suffered minor damage to the bow as a result of the collision.

Recent media reports stated that the OS 35 ship has now started to break apart raising concerns of oil spills and environmental damage in the area.

A close-up view of Adam LNG ship in Gibraltar. High res here

The collision happened as the vessel OS 35, loaded with steel bars and carrying over 400 tonnes of fuel, was moving to exit the bay. The Marshall Islands-flagged ADAM LNG arrived in Gibraltar after unloading in Malta. It remains at anchor near the place where the collision took place.

The Gibraltar Port Authority directed the OS 35 to the east side to ensure it could be safely beached to minimise the risk of the vessel sinking. Its 24-strong crew were evacuated.

With inputs from Reuters