Oil spill near Saadiyat Island forces swimmers off beach

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is investigating the cause of an oil spill that forced swimmers off Saadiyat beach at the weekend.
The agency was notified on February 14 through the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre that an oil spill had occurred along St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort beach and the Park Hyatt Hotel beach on Saadiyat Island.
"Members of EAD’s environmental emergency team immediately visited the site and conducted an initial environmental assessment confirming the occurrence of a minor oil spill," Dr Humaid Al Kindi, section manager of emergency management environment quality at EAD, said on Tuesday.
"EAD collected water samples for analysis and a full investigation into the cause is under way."
On Monday, the Saadiyat Management Office (SMO), through St Regis Property Management, notified residents and guests of a "tar spillage" on its beaches.
"SMO are currently in communication with the necessary authorities about the source of this spill," the St Regis Property Management said in an email sent to residents on Monday afternoon.
"As a result you are advised not to swim at this moment in time."
SMO’s environmental team are carrying out the required cleaning activities on the beach, and are in contact with the government agencies, it added.
"It is prudent that we keep yourselves and your guests aware of the beaches’ current condition," St Regis Property Management told residents.
Dr Al Kindi on Tuesday said the agency was "working closely with its various partners, including the respective hotels, to ensure that the situation is handled swiftly and properly".

Source: The National