Oil spill in Baltic Sea hits Estonian islands

In the Baltic Sea, western Estonian islands have been hit by mazut pollution as authorities called on volunteers to help collect chunks of the oil product on beaches, Estonian public broadcaster ERR reports.
The pollution was noticed on Vormsi and Hiiumaa islands last week. Police, Estonian Rescue Board and the Environmental Board have been involved in collecting the pollution, but Hiiumaa Municipality Mayor Hergo Tasuja called on all locals, friends of Hiiumaa, the Defence League and women’s voluntary defence organization Naiskodukaitse to come and help.
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«I hope more than a few people can find the time and will to help out,» Tasuja noted.
The Hiiumaa Municipality Mayor noted that the pollution needs to be picked up in pieces. «Heavy fuel oil mostly occurs in what could be described as chunks. It is necessary to use protective equipment, such as gloves and suitable clothing and a bag for the mazut,» he said.
The source of the pollution is currently unknown, ERR reports.