Ventspils coastline hit by significant oil pollution

A significant oil pollution event has been detected along the coast of Ventspils, Latvia, affecting an area spanning approximately 30 kilometers from Užava to Liepiena. The contamination covers roughly 5 hectares of territory, including the central Ventspils beach, Pārventa, and Staldzene coastlines.

Local authorities have described the situation as potentially comparable to a national-scale environmental disaster. The State Environmental Service (VVD) and the State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) have surveyed the area and collected samples for further investigation. The exact source and composition of the oil products have not yet been determined.

Cleanup operations have commenced, with mechanical collection efforts starting at the Zilā karoga beach. The Ventspils City Municipality is coordinating recovery work using available resources. Authorities have issued a warning to residents and visitors to avoid walking along the coastline in the affected areas until the pollution is fully remediated.