Oil Spill from Sunken Barge Threatens Lake Nasser’s Wildlife

A sunken barge has created an oil slick in Lake Nasser, Egypt, threatening Nile crocodiles and fish populations.

• The barge sank at the High Dam port on the eastern side of Lake Nasser, spilling diesel from its fuel tank at a depth of 15 meters.
• Initial reports from the Ministry of Environment measured the oil slick at 200 meters long and 100 meters wide.
• The Ministry of Water Resources has taken nine water samples from multiple depths at the accident site to monitor water quality.
• Minister of Water Resources Hani Sweilam has called an emergency meeting of the National Water Council to coordinate the response.

Latest developments

• The Aswan Environment Affairs Agency said the oil slick was 4 km from the main navigation line, limiting its risk.
• The barge that sank at the High Dam port was carrying 300 tons of cement and fuel.
• Environmental teams treated the oil slick over four days, and the impact was contained and fading after three days.