# Baltic Sea coastline oil pollution

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/baltic-sea-coastline-oil-pollution
> Updated: 2026-10-02T12:20:40.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 4.

A series of significant oil pollution events have impacted the Baltic Sea coastline. In Latvia, a contamination event affecting approximately 30 kilometers from Užava to Liepiena was detected, covering roughly 5 hectares of territory including the central Ventspils beach. Local authorities described the situation as potentially comparable to a “national-scale environmental disaster,” prompting mechanical cleanup efforts and warnings for residents to avoid the coastline.

Cleanup operations on the Ventspils coastline have since been completed. Authorities collected approximately 20 tons of contaminated material, contained in roughly 900 bags, across a five-kilometer stretch. This included the central Ventspils city beach and the Staldzenes and Pārventa coastlines. The Ventspils Improvement Combine has been transporting the waste to Riga, where it is scheduled to be handed over to the company Oil Recovery for final management and disposal.

Simultaneously, a nearly 50-kilometer stretch of the Polish Baltic Sea coastline has been contaminated by a “black, oily, and sticky substance.” The affected area extends from Rowy in the Pomeranian Voivodeship to Rusinowo and Wicie in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, with additional closures in the municipality and city of Ustka. 

Anna Sędzińska, director of the Maritime Office in Słupsk, stated that the substance appears to be petroleum-based, though laboratory tests are required to confirm its exact composition. Preliminary suspicions suggest the material could be mazut—a heavy petroleum product—or the result of an illegal discharge from a vessel. The Government Centre for Security (RCB) has issued alerts advising tourists, residents, and pet owners to avoid all contact with the substance to prevent skin irritation. Beaches remain closed until the contamination is neutralized.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Ventspils coastline cleanup removes 20 tons of oil contamination

Cleanup of oil contamination along a 5km stretch of the Ventspils coastline in Latvia is complete, with approximately 20 tons of contaminated material collected for disposal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ventspils-coastline-cleanup-removes-20-tons-of-oil-contamination

### 2026-09-30: Ustka beaches closed due to mysterious coastal pollution

Beaches near Ustka, Poland, are closed after a mysterious dark, oily substance was found along a 50km stretch of the Baltic coast. Investigations into the substance's composition are ongoing.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ustka-beaches-closed-due-to-mysterious-coastal-pollution

### 2026-09-27: Baltic Sea pollution forces closure of 50km of Polish coastline

Authorities have closed a 50km stretch of the Polish Baltic coast, including Ustka, due to a suspected petroleum spill from a vessel. Officials warn against contact with the black, oily substance.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unknown-oily-substance-found-on-several-polish-baltic-beaches

### 2026-09-27: Ventspils coastline hit by significant oil pollution

Oil pollution has contaminated approximately 30 km of coastline near Ventspils, Latvia. Authorities are investigating the source and have begun cleanup efforts while warning the public to avoid the area.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ventspils-coastline-hit-by-significant-oil-pollution

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Cite as: Baltic Sea coastline oil pollution. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/baltic-sea-coastline-oil-pollution