Oil spill confirmed in the Great Barrier Reef south of Townsville
An oil spill has been confirmed in the Great Barrier Reef in waters just south of Townsville.
The Brisbane Times reports specialist teams will leave Cairns on Saturday to do a sweep of the area of Cape Upstart, between Ayr and Bowen and the reef islands to determine how far the oil has spread.
Oil pollution teams are being prepared for work.
"We can confirm some patches of oily water have been sighted in the water south of Townsville," A Queensland Transport spokeswoman told Brisbane Times. .
The oil has been confirmed by water police and helicopter crews.
"A water police vessel out of Townsville, and Emergency Management Queensland helicopter investigated and reported a sheen on the water and small oily patches about one metre in diameter," Queensland Transport said.
It’s unknown how large the spill is.
"An Australian Maritime Safety Authority specialised aircraft out of Cairns is being tasked for an early morning inspection tomorrow of the ocean area and also of the islands and coastline in the general areas."
Oil pollution resources and staff are on standby if required in Townsville and other ports.
Other agencies are also prepared to activate resources.
