Outrage over oil leak at millionaires’ bay

Threat to wildlife as minister says old pipes could be to blame

RESIDENTS along one of Britain’s most exclusive stretches of coast spoke of their anger yesterday after an oil pipeline leaked more than six tons of fluid into Poole Harbour.

The liquid – about 15 per cent crude oil and 85 per cent brine – burst out of an underground pipe on Sunday.

The spill in the largest natural harbour in Europe – an internationally important wildlife haven – was also close to the exclusive enclave of Sandbanks, home to celebrities including former football manager Harry Redknapp.

The pipeline serves Wytch Farm, an onshore oilfield more than 40 years old and the biggest of its kind in Europe, producing 14,000 barrels a day for Perenco UK.

The oil and gas firm believes it has prevented any further leakage and investigators were yesterday exploring whether the pipe had burst due to old age.

Large slicks of oil have appeared on the surface of the water in a harbour inlet which is a vital wildlife habit. Swimmers were told to stay out of the water.

Philip Broadhead, leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, said: ‘I am clearly angry and disappointed ... One hopes we have avoided any real disaster [and] the early indications are that the surface slick is already dispersing.’

Company director Stephen Glover, 65, said he believed his Staffordshire bull terrier Stella was left with badly swollen paws after coming into contact with the pollution on Sunday.

He described a ‘stink of oil’ and found the grease-like substance difficult to clean off. He added: ‘It looked like she was wearing black socks it was so thick.’

Environment minister Rebecca Pow said prosecutions and fines could result if wrongdoing was detected in the investigation.

She told MPs in the Commons that Wytch Farm is a ‘mature field ... and maybe some of the pipes need replacing’.

If fish exports need to be suspended ‘there may be a question of compensation’ to fishermen, Ms Pow said, adding that so far two seabirds had been found coated in oil.

But Dr Malcolm Hudson, associate professor in environmental science at the University of Southampton, said: ‘Thousands of birds nest [in the harbour] in the spring; they are just arriving and some of the overwintering birds haven’t left yet either. They are all vulnerable to floating oil.’

Jim Stewart, who heads the trust that runs the harbour, said it was carrying out an examination involving 60 people, helicopters and drones. He added anyone who comes into contact with the spill should wash immediately with soap and water.

The Environment Agency said: ‘ We are supporting the port authority and other partners in responding to this incident.’

‘Thousands of birds nest there’