An investigation has been launched into the source on an oil spill off Eight Mile Rock on Monday that stretched approximately a mile west of the harbor, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation reported yesterday. In a statement, the ministry said there were several complaints of a "heavy sheen and a black oily substance" around 4 p.m.

An immediate investigation was launched and salvage company Oversees Marine Group Ltd. responded to the spill around 4:45 p.m., according to the ministry. Overseas Marine Group subsequently transported officials from the Bahamas Oil Refining Company International Limited (BORCO) to the site to examine the extent of the pollution. Overseas Marine Group was contracted to conduct the clean-up.

As of 8 p.m. on Monday, around 75 percent of the spill was removed, the ministry said. The clean-up was completed as of 10 a.m. yesterday. However, the ministry did not state how much oil spilt into the water.

"All debris was removed from the beaches and coastal areas, and an inspection was conducted by officials from the Port Department and the Department of Environmental Health Services in Freeport, to ensure the adequacy of the clean-up," the ministry said.

"Oversees Marine is to be commended for its efforts in minimizing the impact of this oil spill."

The ministry said an investigation into the spill is ongoing to determine the source and circumstances.

"The reporting of all spills is mandated by the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution) Act, and all stakeholders must be responsible and report these matters to the authorities on an urgent basis, when they occur," the ministry said.

"The ministry wishes to emphasize that the protection of the marine environment is the responsibility of all.

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