Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) have today called for greater protection of the SW's coastline following the grounding of the 'RMS Mulheim' cargo boat in Gamper Bay, near Sennen Cove on Saturday, which led to 100,000 litres of fuel oil leaking from the boat over the weekend.

Although no action was needed to close off any nearby bathing beaches the accident could have been worse if it were not for favourable offshore winds which took the leaking oil away from the coast and a heavy swell which helped break the light diesal oil up.

SAS still have concerns relating to the 'car waste scrap' that could end up in the water if the boat cannot be re-floated and begins to break up in its current fragile position. We understand a meeting is taking place today with the authorities involved to determine the best method of taking off the car waste, which includes plastic dashboards.

Although it is not yet clear why the vessel ran aground it re-iterates the importance of safeguarding our beautiful coastline from pollutants. SAS is supporting calls for the South West's (SW) coastline to be given special protection to ensure 'risky' vessels are excluded from the regions waters. Although SW County Council calls for the coastline to be deemed a 'Particularly Sensitive Sea Area' were originally intended to counter the threat of single hulled oil tankers like the Prestige, it is clear that many vessels of varying standards are carrying potentially 'polluting cargoes' too close to our beaches.

Richard Hardy, SAS Campaign Assistant says: "Whilst this has not been a huge environmental disaster it could have been worse under less favourable weather conditions. This incident will serve to fuel the campaign to drive in tighter legislation so 'risky' vessels and those carrying potentially 'polluting cargoes' are excluded from our sensitive ocean ecosystems".

For information please contact Richard on Tel: 01872 553001 or 07817 401480.

The Story so far...

"Mulheim continues to break up"

"CARRY ON MULHEIM"

" CONCERN OVER DECISION TO LEAVE THE MULHEIM TO BREAK UP."

"A LUCKY ESCAPE FOR THE BEACHES"

"TOXIC CARGO FAR FROM SAFE SAY SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE"

"MULHEIM UPDATE - DAY 17"

"3 WEEKS ON AND THE MULHEIM CONTINUES TO PUT ENVIRONMENT AT RISK."

"SAS express disappointment at decision to leave Mulheim on the rocks"

"COCKTAIL OF NASTIES!"

"MULHEIM PLASTIC FOUND ON NEWQUAY'S GOLDEN SANDS"

"MULHEIMS 'DIRTY' CARGO SPREADING FAR AND WIDE"

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