Fishing boat sinks in Penzance harbour, leaking oil into beauty spot
- The former motor fishing vessel Karina Olsen sank at its mooring in Penzance harbour in early October 2023 after two decades of disrepair.
- Concerns were raised about environmental hazards due to fuel leakage, with a thin film of oil reported on the harbour surface despite attempts to contain it.
- Local authorities continue to monitor the situation and are in discussions with the vessel's owner regarding its disposal to prevent further environmental impact.
In early October 2023, the former motor fishing vessel Karina Olsen sank at its mooring in Penzance harbour, England. The 17-metre vessel, which had been used as a live-aboard for over two decades, succumbed to its deteriorating condition and collapsed against the quay wall. Cornwall Council had previously flagged concerns about the boat’s state and had sought its disposal to reclaim valuable berth space. The sinking of the vessel has raised significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding pollution. Fuel leaking from the boat has formed a thin film of oil on the surface of the harbour, presenting a potential threat to local wildlife and the broader marine ecosystem. Despite initial efforts to contain the spill with an oil boom and absorbent equipment, local residents reported gaps in the boom's effectiveness, allowing oil to escape into the harbour. Recovery efforts have led to the extraction of approximately 3,500 litres of diesel from the Karina Olsen, with additional measures being implemented to monitor the situation. The vessel's condition has complicated further recovery operations, forcing authorities to urge the owner to take prompt action regarding disposal. As the situation evolves, local residents express concerns about the continued environmental impact and the safety of harbour users, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the matter promptly.