Heavy Fuel Oil Spill Cleanup Continues on Estonia’s North Coast Next Week

Cleanup operations for a heavy fuel oil spill are set to continue along Estonia’s north coast next week, as authorities were unable to remove all pollution during efforts over the weekend, according to the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR).

The pollution, which includes oil and garbage, washed ashore on Estonia’s northern coastline in recent days and is suspected to have originated from Russian “shadow fleet” vessels anchored in the area. Environmental Board inspectors confirmed that the contamination stretches from Käsmu to Kunda in Lääne-Viru County, with small sticky residues found along the shoreline.

On Saturday, volunteers worked in rainy conditions to clear debris at Suureliiva in Vainupea, a beach located approximately 100 kilometers east of Tallinn and near Lahemaa National Park. The Rescue Board provided equipment, some sourced from the State Forest Management Center, to support the cleanup. However, officials noted that not all affected areas could be addressed in a single day.

Marit Mändmets, lead inspector for the eastern region of the Environmental Board, stated that the goal remains to reach Käsmu, where pollution is also present, and to extend efforts to additional locations such as Lobi and Kunda. She indicated that the operation may continue into the evening and potentially beyond, depending on progress.

Volunteers from Ida-Viru County participated in the cleanup for the first time, assisting in removing pollutants from the shore. Anna Lillepärg, a volunteer with the NGO Iga Elu, expressed concern about the recurring nature of such incidents, saying that while the aim is to prevent harm to wildlife and avoid future spills, she doubts such events will be avoided.

In addition to oil and garbage, drone debris—likely from Ukrainian drones used in attacks on Russian Baltic ports—was discovered in the area. Mändmets confirmed that two drone parts were found in Altja and will be reported to the Rescue Board for further handling.

The Environmental Board and Rescue Board confirmed that cleanup efforts will resume next week to address remaining contamination. No large-scale mazut spill has been detected, but authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess environmental impact.