Coastguard 'counter-pollution' oil spill exercise carried out off Dorset

The agency is testing its response to a mock scenario where 300 tonnes of fuel are spilled in the harbour

A major exercise is taking place off the south coast to prepare for possible oil spills.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is testing its response to a mock scenario where 300 tonnes of fuel is spilled, east of Portland Harbour, Dorset.

It involves four vessels, oil collection booms and skimmers to remove pollution from the surface.

The three-day operation, which began on Tuesday, ends on Thursday.

It carried out a similar exercise in the area in September 2021.

Last March, there was oil spill in nearby Poole Harbour when 200 barrels of oily water escaped from a pipeline at Wytch Farm oil field.

However, an MCA spokesperson described that as a "very different type of incident". It was dealt with by the Poole Harbour Commission.

A similar exercise took place in the harbour in September 2021

The latest practice is testing MCA operations at sea, but also how it works with partner agencies along the shoreline.

The Marine Management Organisation, Portland and Weymouth harbour authorities, Weymouth and Dorset councils and counter-pollution response contractor Ambipar are also involved.

The MCA said a surveillance plane might also take part, to simulate the agency's spill monitoring and dispersant spraying capability.

Stan Woznicki, MCA head of counter pollution and salvage, said it worked hard to "keep the maritime and coastal environments safe from pollution and to protect people and wildlife".

He added: "We are ready round the clock to respond to incidents in UK waters and the UK's exclusive economic zone.

"We rehearse regularly to prepare our teams to respond to a wide range of incidents, and also how to work alongside other agencies so that, if the worst happens, collaboration is swift and effective."

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