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MT Hebei Spirit

Dec 14, 2007	
US experts aid S. Korean efforts to tackle oil spill


The team of US Coast Guard experts arrived in South Korea on Thursday as hundreds of 
vessels struggled to contain 
the disastrous spill. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

SOUTH KOREA - US oil spill specialists began aiding a massive sea and land battle on 
Friday to contain and clear 
away up to 66,000 barrels of crude oil in South Korea's worst coastal pollution crisis.
The team of US Coast Guard experts arrived in South Korea on Thursday as hundreds of 
vessels struggled to contain 
the disastrous spill.

An expert from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also arrived on 
Thursday to assist.

The oil spilled from a supertanker on Dec 7 off the west coast, polluting hundreds of 
seafood farms and turning 
scenic beaches black.

The National Emergency Management Agency said the spill has so far contaminated 167 
kilometers of coast in 
Taean County, about 150 kilometers south-west of Seoul.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Latest+News/Asia/STIStory_186778.html

The agency said 339 seafood farms have been hit and an additional 220 farms were 
expected to be affected.

On Thursday, about 220 ships, including Coast Guard, navy and private fishing boats, and 
14 helicopters battled 
strong winds and high waves to contain the slick, the Coast Guard said.

On shore, more than 21,000 troops, public officials, residents and volunteers worked in 
clean up efforts, it said.

'We're continuing the operation at night, mobilising ships equipped with searchlights,' 
said Lee Won Yol, a Coast 
Guard official in Taean.

'But the weather is not good. Winds are strong and waves are high.'

The accident happened when a barge carrying a crane lost control and slammed into the 
supertanker Hebei Spirit, 
causing it to gush oil. -- AP

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