Event: Environment Pollution Location: United Kingdom Greater London, England River Thames, Between Windsor Bridge and Eton Bridge Situation More than 100 swans have been rescued from the River Thames after they were found covered in oil from a mysterious spill. Experts are baffled at the cause of the spillage with authorities saying they are 'quite unlikely' to find out where the oil came from. Volunteers worked for hours to get boat loads of swans out of the water after the toxic solution seeped into a stretch of the river between Windsor bridge and Eton bridge last night. The clean-up mission was launched near Windsor Castle after dozens of the swans and cygnets were reported to be swimming in a dark substance. The birds were taken to the Swan Lifeline shelter in Eton, where they were scrubbed down with washing up liquid and fed a charcoal powder to combat the toxic effects of the oil chemicals. Authorities say it is 'quite unlikely' they will find the source because most of the oil has dispersed after rain showers this afternoon. The Environment Agency, with assistance from Thames Water, has launched an investigation into the source of the spillage. Bob Lang, a volunteer at the charity Swan Lifeline assisted in the rescue operation. He said the swans will recuperate over the next few days before they will be assessed and set free. Mr Lang said: 'I've seen it before but nothing like this. We have a set procedure. We have to get the oil off the feathers and then we dry them and let them preen themselves as much as they can. He said: 'Whoever did it appears to have got away with it.' The Queen's official Swan Marker David Barber- who works to claim all new swans on the river for the Crown- was informed of the situation as it unfolded on Friday evening. It is not yet known if he has informed the Queen who, as Monarch, has ownership of swans on parts of the Thames. The annual Swan Upping ceremony, is due to take place next month in a tradition which originates from the 12th century. Wendy Hermon, rescue co-ordinator for Swan Lifeline, said: 'This was one of the worst oil spills I've ever seen. 'The water was jet black and the swans were just swimming through the oil that was up to their necks.' Oil can be life-threatening to swans because it damages their water-proof feathers and can infect their internal organs. The Environment Agency confirmed a full investigation had been launched, but a spokesperson said, 'There's no guarantee that we will find the source. 'Environment Agency Officers have been on site working with Thames Water contractors and have found that oil coming into the River Thames has stopped with no oil coming from any of the surface outfalls or other potential sources.'
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 22:06:47 +0000
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