Algeciras, Spain - Several hundred metres of Spain's southern coastline have been polluted with diesel oil spilled from two freighters over the weekend in heavy storms. The two freighters, both under Liberian flag, ran aground in the Bay of Algeciras over the weekend, discharging fuel from their tanks through leaks.
The first freighter, the Fedra, ran up against boulders around Gibraltar Saturday and broke apart after losing its anchor during a storm. Its 31-man crew had to be rescued by helicopter.
The crew of the second freighter, the Tawe, could stay aboard as their boat was tugged into the harbor.
The spilled oil has also affected a nature reserve. But authorities said they are not worried about long-term effects since diesel fuel is relatively easy to clean up, in comparison with heavy oil.
The storm also took its toll on the Spanish mainland. Six people were injured in the storm. The roof of a house in Algeciras collapsed, while a tree fell on to a bus in Seville. Continued heavy rains on Sunday left some Madrid streets and cellars underwater.
It also forced changes to the traditional airshow in honour of the Spanish national holiday, rendering participation by helicopters and parachutists impossible.
The storm also claimed two lives Friday, when a British woman and her daughter were swept away while trying to cross a ditch near Valencia.
