What You Need to Know
Authorities in Ivory Coast have suspended swimming and fishing activities at several tourist beaches near Abidjan following an oil spill incident. The spill occurred on December 27, leading to temporary restrictions on beach access, including the popular Grand-Bassam beach. The Ministry of Environment reported partial contamination and is taking measures to address the situation.
Africa. Authorities in Ivory Coast have announced the suspension of swimming and fishing activities at several tourist beaches near the economic capital, Abidjan, following an oil spill incident that occurred near the port.
The incident, which took place on Saturday, December 27, at a site in the Frédi area, led to the spread of black patches on the surface of the sea, prompting authorities to impose temporary restrictions on beach access, including the popular Grand-Bassam beach located east of Abidjan.
The Ministry of Environment clarified that the spill occurred during a test to unload a shipment of light crude oil, resulting in partial contamination of several nearby beaches. The ministry confirmed that the measures taken include suspending swimming and marine activities “until further notice,” noting that “no direct impact on the health of residents has been reported so far.”
According to the Ivorian news agency, the Grand-Bassam governor inspected the area on Monday and described the situation as a “significant marine pollution,” referring to it as “a blackness extending over large areas of the sea.” Authorities have announced an investigation into the incident, along with the deployment of floating barriers to contain the oil patches and the dispatch of specialized teams to recover the spilled materials and clean the affected beaches.
This painful memory has brought back the sensitivity surrounding marine pollution in Ivory Coast, especially after the 2006 disaster involving the ship “Probo Koala,” which dumped over 500 cubic meters of toxic waste in Abidjan, leading to 17 deaths and poisoning thousands.
The new spill raises concerns about environmental and economic repercussions for the coastal tourism sector in a country that relies on its beaches as a primary destination for local and foreign visitors.
The recent oil spill incident near Abidjan has reignited concerns over marine pollution in Ivory Coast. This is particularly significant given the 2006 disaster involving the ship “Probo Koala,” which discharged over 500 cubic meters of toxic waste in Abidjan, resulting in 17 deaths and thousands of poisonings. The current spill raises fears of similar environmental and economic repercussions for the coastal tourism sector, which is vital for both local and foreign visitors.
