OIL spilled in Belfast Lough from a stricken tanker yesterday was "no more than a sheen" on the water, a Northern Ireland Department of Environment spokesman said. He was responding to concern that the 147,000 tonne Sea Empress had leaked oil while being towed into Harland & Wolffs dry dock.
The Belfast shipyard won the inspection contract for the vessel which spilled 72,000 tonnes of oil off the Welsh coast last month. Harland & Wolff also hopes that it will win the valuable repair contract.
"There was very little spillage in the lough. It caused no more than a sheen on the water, but it was clearly visible because the water was so calm," the spokesman said. "It is not regarded as pollution in any way. It will be allowed to disperse naturally."