In a flammable liquid depot, the overflow of 4 t of ‘fishing’ fuel oil polluted the River MOROS River. The site includes three 4,600, 360 and 60 m³ overhead tanks. The outlet pipes of the 4,600 and 360 m³ tanks are connected in the lower part by a pipe allowing for gravity transfers. On the day of the accident, the 3 tanks were at their nominal capacity. An incorrect action, during a refuelling operation for one of the fishing boats, caused the 360 m³ tank to start filling from the larger tank. The already full tank overflowed into the retention system (floor made of natural earth) via the vent that allows the product to breathe. Due to heavy rain on that same morning, the fuel mixed with the rainwater: the volume to be recovered was estimated at 40 m³.

The river, flowing just a few meters below the site, was covered with a blue sheen (same as the product) which was carried towards an associated body of water and the town’s port by due to the high tide on that day. The water table was also affected, as well as the subsoil (quantity infiltrated estimated at 500 l).

Seepage into the natural environment was due to the retention system not being leaktight. Fire-fighters, in collaboration with the harbour master’s office and the other State services, set up absorbent booms to limit the spread of the pollution of surface water. Barriers were also set up along the 2 river banks. The inspection authorities drew up a report establishing the facts and recommended an emergency measures order.