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Wind blamed for ship's oil spill

26 Aug, 2009 02:43 PM
ABOUT 140 kilograms of crude oil destined for the Altona Mobil refinery was spilt by a ship at Gellibrand Pier off Williamstown on Friday.

EPA spokeswoman Ruth Ward said strong winds resulted in the oil spreading to St Kilda beach.

She said no animals were killed as a result of the oil.

The penguin population at StKilda was unaffected.

ExxonMobil Australia spokeswoman Rebecca Arnold said the ship lost its moorings due to high winds just after 10am.

"On Friday morning it was quite windy and there was a ship discharging crude at our Point Gellibrand facility. The ship moved away from its moorings and broke the oil line connecting ship to shore. We promptly shut down the leak from our side."

Ms Arnold said ExxonMobil was still investigating the leak, which she described as "small".

"Based on the nature and quantity of oil spilled and the prompt action that was taken to contain and recover it, we are confident there has been little or no impact to marine flora and fauna."

The EPA is also investigating the spill.

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