AMSA’s specialist aircraft conducted another two observation flights on Sept. 4 to determine what is happening with the oil leak from the Montara well head platform. Trained observers confirm that the major part of the slick remains in the vicinity of the platform and that the closest oil to shore is still around 170 km away.
Observers on board the aircraft are highly trained to distinguish oil in the water. Untrained observers often mistake other organic matter such as coral spawn or algal bloom for oil.
Observers on board the aircraft also located natural phenomena (coral spawn/algal bloom) approximately 100 kilometres from shore between the platform and the West Australian coastline.
AMSA remains focused on removing oil from the water and mitigating risk to the environment.
The vessel Lady Gerda is again providing dispersant spraying on the oil that has leaked from the Montara well head platform today. Two vessels are also providing containment and recovery operations using boom and skimming equipment.
AMSA’s liaison with both Federal and State agencies, including oil and environmental specialists with
regard to the clean-up operation remains ongoing.