Brussels, 24/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - Following the oil slick that is affecting the Galapagos Islands, the European Commission decided, on Wednesday, to send a team of experts to help the Ecuadorian authorities. By announcing this news to the press, the Commissioner for the Environment Margot Wallström added that these were British experts and Spanish specialists in biodiversity and marine pollution. The team will leave within twenty four hours with as mandate to contribute towards the search for the best ways in which to carry out the cleanup of the Islands. Through this intervention, the Commission answers the call for aid made the previous day by the Ecuadorian authorities. This help is made possible by the new cooperation framework that enables the Union to send experts outside its territory.
The oil slick being due to the release of 600 tonnes of fuel escaped from the hull of the tanker, Jessica, (flying the Ecuadorian flag) wreaked off the coast of the Galapagos Islands, the Vice-President of the Commission responsible for Transport and Energy, Loyola de Palacio, stated, in a press release: "this tragic accident reminds all of us of the importance of improving the quality of maritime transport throughout the world. The European Union must be at the lead of these countries who call for more measures to protect human lives and maritime environments". Feeling that this accident once more illustrated the need to reinforce the numerous regulations on maritime safety, she added: "we cannot maintain less restrictive international rules as the sea is everyone's and we must all assume the responsibility for its protection: the international rules must evolve".