Rantasalmi oil spill may be smaller than estimated

Yle reports that about 800 litres of oil leaked from a cargo vessel into Haukivesi in Rantasalmi, but the actual amount may be lower. Police are investigating the incident.

The most significant oil slicks are around Karhosaari. Nearby Linnansaari National Park and Haukivesi are important habitats for the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.

Antti Peltonen, a fire chief with the South Savo Rescue Department, said the initial information indicated that the vessel had about 800 litres of engine oil on board. The actual amount that entered the water may be smaller.

Initial drone observations showed an oil slick about one kilometre wide and three kilometres long. Peltonen said the situation appeared worse than it was because the slick was very thin.

The party responsible for the spill reported the damage and has been working closely with the rescue department.