Nha Trang and neighbouring beaches hit by mysterious oil slick

Vietnam resort city falls prey to yet another mystery oil slick

Thanh Nien News (Hanoi)

Beaches in Vietnam’s world-famous resort town of Nha Trang are awash in a mystery oil slick, one of many that have plagued the country for several months now, fanning fears for local tourism.

The slick spread across the town’s beaches Thursday, with the stretch between Tran Phu street and Vinh Nguyen ward the worst affected.

Authorities said Thursday that several tons of oil had been mopped up and that more personnel would be deployed on the job.

The slick had hit nearby Van Thanh commune Monday.

Van Ninh and Ninh Hoa districts and Tri Nguyen island were also affected.

The authorities admitted it was a blow to tourism.

Shrimp and lobster breeders between Ninh Hai and Ninh Phuoc districts in neighboring Ninh Thuan province feared huge losses because of the slick since it was prime breeding season.

Authorities warned farmers not to pump seawater into shrimp ponds.

Many parts of the country have reported oil slicks since February which have badly affected beaches and marine environments but their sources have remained a mystery.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung instructed concerned agencies Thursday to assess the environmental and economic damage caused by the slick and speed up the search for the source.

The government also permitted the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to hire experts from Japan, the Philippines, and China to track down the source.

Source: Tuoi Tre – Translated by An Dien