Balearic Islands Port Authority has dispatched emergency services to the waters off its coast because of a Marella Cruises ship spilling oil into the sea on Tuesday, May 1.
Salvamento Maritimo coast guard boats and the ones from 112 emergency services have been attempting to contain the spill from Marella Dream.
The leak is believed to have come from ship’s fuel tank and begun at around 10:00 in the morning. According to Port Authority sources there had been problems with the ballasting system of the vessel, a tank that is filled with water to ensure stability. It is believed to have led to the leak.
However, authorities are waiting on more information from the crew to confirm the theory. Emergency services started cleaning the spill right after they had contained it around the vessel’s stern.
The Port Authority is to pass on information received from the cruise ship to Spain’s Maritime Authority, that is set to decide if penalties should be handed down.
Marella Dream arrived in Palma’s port from Ibiza. She was docked in Dique del Oeste area of Palma’s port before the suspected leak.
For other Marella Dream accidents and incidents see at the ship's CruiseMinus page.