Update 13th July 2013 – This morning, Fingal County Council reopened the North Beach to swimmers after the water was declared safe. The vessel involved in the diesel spill was righted and moved to shallow waters in the harbour overnight.

12th July 2013 – Following on from this morning’s incident at Skerries harbour where a fishing vessel had sunk overnight, small amounts of diesel fuel remain in the water in the area. As a precautionary measure, Fingal County Council have closed nearby bathing areas, including the North Beach. Additionally, pollution booms and soakage mats have been place in the vicinity of the sunken vessel to limit the drift of any further diesel.

Pollution booms and soakage mats in place at Skerries harbour

The Coast Guard have been monitoring the situation since the early hours of the morning when the spill was first reported. Whilst only a very small amount of diesel was on board the vessel, the liquid had dispersed and drifted with the ebbing tide. The Coast Guard’s rescue helicopter from Dublin, R116, has been carrying out aerial views to monitor the situation. The Skerries Coast Guard team are also carrying out regular inspections of the area. The diesel fuel is expected to evaporate from the water over the course of today.

Further updates will be provided in due course.