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Recordings from the plane: Oil near Corsica
Photo: FLORIAN ROUSSARD / AFP
An oil slick has been drifting in the Mediterranean for a few days, which the authorities on the French holiday island of Corsica are watching with concern.
After it was not initially clear in which direction the oil was moving, spokeswoman Christine Ribbe said on Saturday evening: "We are now calmer because the pollution is drifting away from the coast."
The oil spill is now around ten kilometers from the coast, according to the spokeswoman for the authorities.
"But we have to be very careful because the situation can change with the currents."
Two naval ships with specially trained crew and the necessary equipment were sent to the oil spill.
Around 80 emergency services were available for cleaning work.
The oil, which was apparently dumped by a ship, was first discovered from an aircraft on Friday afternoon.
During more detailed exploratory flights with airplanes and helicopters, several oil stains were seen on Saturday morning, which stretch for around 35 kilometers.
Some of them moved towards the sandy beaches around Aleria in the east of the island.
Secretary of the Sea, Annick Girardin, said the authorities were "determined" to find those who caused the oil spill.
focus / AFP