Oil from the UK’s largest onshore oil field has leaked into the water in south-west England, leading to a major incident being declared.
Approximately 200 barrels of reservoir fluid was released into Poole Harbour after the leak occurred at Wytch Farm oil field in Dorset on Sunday. Gas company Perenco UK confirmed the “limited” leak came from one of its well sites, and that the pipeline was shut down, and booms used to control the spread of oil were placed on either side of it.
Jim Stewart, CEO of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: “A major incident has now been declared and a gold command unit has been established. We would advise members of the public that they should not swim in Poole Harbour or the surrounding area until further notice.
