DIESEL SPILL FORCES CLOSURE OF ALICANTE BEACH

Albufereta Beach was closed On Sunday afternoon after the Red Cross found a large quantity of diesel fuel about 100 metres long and 80 meters out from the coast, forcing the swimmers out of water.

The spill was confirmed by the Department of Beaches and Red Cross lifeguards hoisted the red flag at17.45.

A dozen swimmers, including a civil defence volunteer, had to be treated by medical staff for a variety of ailments including itching and sore throats. Only one was transferred to the Clinic Vistahermosa for further treatment.

Councillor for Beaches, Mari Carmen Román, said that the spill quite clearly came from a passing vessel but at the time of speaking to the press the offender had not been identified

“The smell of diesel fuel was overpowering” said one bather. “To close down the beach was the only sensible course of action that the lifeguards could take”.

The situation was also attended by agents from the Guardia Civil who took statements from a number of bathers.

The area was illuminated with beacons during the hours of darkness while agents from Seprona carried out duties cleaning up the spill.

The beach was finally reopened to the public on Monday afternoon.