In consequence of the oil pollution discovered on 28 January, rescue operations have been launched on the strip of coast of approximately 35 kilometres in Harjumaa and Läänemaa. The main objective of the people participating in rescue work is to collect residual pollution and dead birds. Lumps with a diameter from 5 to 30 centimetres containing oil products have been found here and there from the shore of Keibu Bay to the port of Dirhami. By now, approximately 8 cubic metres of pollution and more than 800 dead birds have been collected. By today, the whole strip of coast has been cleaned of pollution. However, as the currents and winds continue to carry new oil lumps to the coast every now and then, areas once already inspected can be polluted anew and more dead and oiled birds are often found. 112 people, including 59 volunteers, were working on the polluted strip of coast today. The Estonian Rescue Board asks everyone who has noticed pollution or oiled birds to inform the Environmental Inspectorate at the information line 1313. Further information: Mart Siilivask Press Representative, Ministry of the Environment Phone (+372) 626 2811; (+372) 523 8402 E-mail:
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