Spots formed on the water, not far from the beach, were noticed around 15 p.m. In a statement published this Sunday evening, the prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes announces that marine pollution "of undetermined origin" has been detected in Menton.
Pollution "in the form of surface iridescence (hydrocarbon types) and some suspended solid residues" which is located between the dikes of Casino and Borigo. It would extend over a length of 300 m and only 20 m from the edge of the beach. The bathing area was evacuated during the action of the fire brigade.
The preferred path of a hydrocarbon discharge at sea
The municipality then issued an order to prohibit swimming. "Due to pollution, swimming is currently prohibited between the Casino and the Elisée-Reclus garden. Access to the beach is still allowed, writes the city on its Facebook page. The two Zodiacs of the Ports of Menton are on site; that of Marinov, responsible for cleaning the body of water, must also arrive on the scene."
And to add, in response to a user who was able to question her on her Facebook page, "at first glance, these are discharges of oil into the sea".
