Baltic Sea pollution forces closure of 50km of Polish coastline

A nearly 50-kilometer stretch of the Polish Baltic Sea coastline has been contaminated by a black, oily, and sticky substance, prompting authorities to close several beaches. The affected area extends from Rowy in the Pomeranian Voivodeship to Rusinowo and Wicie in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. Beaches in the municipality and city of Ustka have been closed until further notice due to the high concentration of the material.

Anna Sędzińska, director of the Maritime Office in Słupsk, stated that the substance appears to be petroleum-based, though laboratory tests in Poznań are required to confirm its exact composition. Authorities suspect the pollution may have resulted from a vessel illegally cleaning its fuel tanks at sea. If a responsible party is identified, they will face significant fines and be held liable for the costs of cleanup and waste disposal.

Emergency services and the Government Centre for Security (RCB) have issued alerts advising tourists and residents to avoid all contact with the substance. Officials warned that touching the material could cause skin irritation and that pet owners must ensure animals do not lick or step in the sludge. Cleanup operations involving specialized waste disposal services have commenced.