SWIFT RESPONSE BY SRI LANKA COAST GUARD MITIGATES GALLE HARBOUR OIL SPILL

On 22^nd October 2024, an oil spill incident was reported in Galle Harbour following the partial submersion of a fishing trawler, which had been damaged during recent stormy weather. The spill posed a significant threat to the marine environment and prompted an immediate, coordinated response from the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard quickly mobilized its Marine Spill Response Team from the SLCGS Samudraraksha, with additional support from the Regional Director of the Southern Region and officials from the Galle Port Authority. Coast Guard personnel promptly deployed as first responders to contain and mitigate the spill’s impact. Employing oil booms, the response teams swiftly restricted the oil's spread, successfully preventing contamination in sensitive areas of the harbour. Specialized oil skimmers were used to recover the spilled fuel, resulting in the collection of approximately 500 liters of contaminated oil from the water.

Due to this swift and effective response, the spill was contained within a day, preventing long-term damage to the marine ecosystem and nearby areas. This incident underscores the Sri Lanka Coast Guard’s commitment to environmental protection and its readiness to respond swiftly to maritime emergencies, ensuring the safety of natural resources and local communities.