Brussels, 03/11/2000 (Agence Europe) - Following the sinking of the Ievoli Sun off the coast of the channel island of Aurigny, and with the risk of the pollution of the Atlantic coast line by styrene, dangerous chemical product escaping from the ship's hold, the European Commission answered the call for assistance made by the French authorities by immediately mobilising its Task Force specialised, with the limits of its authority. According to the spokesperson for Margot Wallström, Environment and Civil Protection Commissioner, the French authorities and the Commission services (in particular the "nature protection, coastal areas and tourism" unit in the Directorate General for the Environment, to assess the impact of the accident on the fauna and flora) have been in close contact immediately after the accident on 31 October. And this, even before the Sea Secretariat General, which stems from the French Prime Ministers services, formally requests Community assistance. Two types of support, bring the contribution of European solidarity, were then requested, namely: 1) information on the existing means and methods of inspection to be implemented in this type of accident, with the knowledge acquired by other States of the reactions of styrene in extreme conditions, on the environmental impact studies of this product leaked into the marine environment, 2) the activation of the marine pollution experts (a hundred in total) sent by the Civil protection unit in the Commission's Environment Directorate General.
"The latest information provided by France (Ed: the Environment Minister Dominique Voynet, outlined on Friday a "mild risk" of coastal pollution) allow us to remain somewhat optimistic. The atmospheric conditions allow for an initial observation of the wreak by video are an additional crucial positive element, but this type of accident underlines the need to increase the prevention", announced the spokesperson for Margot Wallström. Also recalling that the new Community framework for cooperation between Member States, (recently established to fight against accident marine pollution during the 2000-2004 period) the Commission proposal (submitted last 27 February) to improve the coordination of civil protection interventions in case of emergency, and the recent proposals aiming to reinforce maritime security (see statement by Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio in EUROPE of 1 November, p.14) are as much initiative by the Commission to satisfy this requirement.