The Scheldt River in Antwerp has been polluted by a large oil slick which is causing severe odour nuisance in the historic centre on Thursday morning. The origin of the pollution is not yet known.
The oil was previously noticed by the Rivierenland fire zone more to the south of the city but has now drifted as far as Antwerp. It is not yet clear whether this concerns a loss or discharge from a ship or a company.
"We are mapping the slick, which is quite wide and is currently located near the Pedestrian Tunnel under the Schedlt," fire brigade spokesperson Ninke Neyrinck told Belga News Agency. "We will then meet with the city's environmental department and the Flemish Waterways Agency, among others, to discuss the further approach."
The Antwerp Fire Brigade emphasised that it is aware of the problem on social media and that there is no need for residents to call the emergency number 112 about odour nuisance. "Our drone teams are busy mapping this spot. We will keep you informed."
