Seawater color changed, citizens evacuated

Citizens who came to the beach to cool off noticed an abnormal change in the color of the seawater.

Upon notification of the situation, teams were dispatched to the scene.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the pollution was caused by diesel fuel spilled from a ship.

The teams ensured that citizens left the water and took precautions on the beach, temporarily banning swimming.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

STATEMENT FROM THE BARTIN GOVERNOR'S OFFICE REGARDING THE POLLUTION IN THE SEA

Bartın Governor Nurtaç Arslan stated regarding the pollution at İnkumu beach, "According to our initial findings, unfortunately, fuel has been discharged into the sea."

Governor Arslan conducted an inspection at İnkumu beach with Bartın Mayor Rıza Yalçınkaya.

Speaking to reporters, Arslan said that they dispatched all relevant teams to the region following reports from citizens via 112 regarding pollution in the sea.

Stating that they also came to the region to conduct on-site inspections, Arslan used the expression, "According to our initial findings, unfortunately, fuel has been discharged into the sea. It is a very sad incident."

Arslan stated that the pollution reached the shoreline over a distance of 500 meters and said, "At this point, we have begun our investigations into who caused the pollution. The Coast Guard Command is conducting these efforts together with the Provincial Director of Environment and Urbanization. We will try to determine what caused the waste and who did it, but I must say that it is very difficult."

Stating that İnkumu is one of Bartın's tourism paradises, Arslan said, "It deeply saddened us that such an incident occurred, especially during the tourism season, but we will carry out administrative and judicial investigations. Of course, in the first stage, we will look at how to clean up this pollution. I hope we do not experience this again."

News Source: İHA