Oil pollution on the Rhine near Birsfelden BL has been stopped.
Published: Friday, Oct 27th 2023, 16:51
Updated At: Saturday, Oct 28th 2023, 01:55
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On Friday afternoon, oil flowed into the Rhine below the port of Birsfelden, paralyzing shipping traffic. The fire brigade was able to stop the heating oil, bind it and dispose of it properly, as the Baselbiet Cantonal Police reported.
A freight ship travelling upstream collided with a jetty while maneuvering, causing severe damage to the ship's bow and resulting in an unknown amount of heating oil leaking out. According to a spokesperson from the Baselbieter Police, there was no danger to people or the environment.
Due to this water pollution, the Rhine section between the two locks Augst and Birsfelden was closed, as well as the route between the port of Basel and the pre-harbor of the lock Kembs in France. This was announced by the Swiss Rhine Ports on Friday afternoon. As a result, the lock Birsfelden was also temporarily closed. The time of the resumption of navigation will be announced later, according to the statement.
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