Greek shipwreck leaking oil off Zeeland coast

An oil spill was discovered off the coast of Vlissingen this weekend. The spill in the Westerschelde is believed to originate from Spyros Armenakis, a Greek ship that sank 800 meters off the Vlissingen boulevard in 1965, Omroep Zeeland reports.

The ship still had fuel on it when it sank. The fuel was largely pumped out years ago, but a small amount remained. Some of it also leaked out four years ago.

According to the broadcaster, public works department Rijkswaterstaat is looking into the spill, and how much fuel is still in the ship. Swimmers are advised to be extra careful when they swim or dive in the Westerschelde near Vlissingen.

The municipality of Vlissingen considered salvaging the wreck after the previous spill four years ago, but decided against it due to the costs. At that time the chance of another spill was considered small.