The Fedra spill

The cargo ship Fedra ran aground on 10 October 2008 off the east side of Gibraltar’s Europa Point with 370 tonnes of fuel oil on board. Within hours, the Oil Spill Response team was on site in Gibraltar to assist and advise local teams. Sea Alarm was put on standby, in case a wildlife emergency emerged.Sea Alarm contacted the Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS) to offer their assistance. Fortunately the oil spill only had a minimal effect on the local vulnerable bird colony of Western Mediterranean Shags. Only three birds were seen with oil spots, but could not be captured for treatment. More information and photos are available from GONHS.