AN OIL spill exercise was carried out at Salcombe’s Batson Quay last week.

The exercise was organised by South Hams Council and conducted by Salcombe Harbour Master Adam Parnell and his team, along with a number of other statutory agencies. The exercise takes place once every three years to comply with Maritime and Coastguard Agency guidance and involved no oil or other pollutants being used.

Adam Parnell said: ‘As part of our comprehensive safety management system we have a number of plans in place to respond to a wide range of incidents, including oil spills. Although they are thankfully very rare, it is important that we exercise our procedures so that we can respond appropriately and efficiently should the worst ever occur. As this exercise will include representatives from a number of agencies, such as the emergency services, it’s also a great opportunity to work and learn together.’

The simulation involved a fictional oil tanker being accidentally driven off the quayside into the water. This resulted in a ruptured oil tank and a subsequent 25,000 litre ‘oil spill’ into the water. In the simulation, the tanker driver was injured at the scene and after first aid, was sent in an ambulance for a check-up for minor injuries.

The Harbour team, quickly and efficiently sprang into action to contain the oil temporarily, while awaiting specialist assistance and equipment. That arrived in the form of Adler and Allan, a company which provides emergency response services to clean-up environmental disasters. They then deployed specialist booms, in windy conditions, to contain the pollution within a 100m² area.

On hand to help were the RNLI to ensure there was no risk to life during the incident, before leaving in the capable hands of the Harbour team. Advising on the potential damaging impact to the surrounding area and wildlife, were officers from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Society.

Beth Esau, Marine Contracts manager from Adler and Allan said: ‘This exercise forms part of Salcombe Harbour’s very proactive approach to pollution control. It was a very successful exercise and the Harbour Master’s team coped exceptionally well with a challenging situation.’