A MAJOR oil spill has been simulated in Poole Harbour to test responses in dealing with an emergency.

Poole Harbour Commissioners carry out similar exercises every three years and this year’s scenario involved the collision of a ferry and a cargo vessel, causing oil to spill from the tank of the freight ship.

PHC worked in collaboration with more than 15 organisations including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Environment Agency and local authorities as the drama unfolded.

As part of the harbour commissioners response a number of booms were deployed in the Little and Backwater channels.

If oil had spilled into the harbour the boom would prevent it from flowing into the most environmentally sensitive areas. A skimmer was also used to show how the oil would be captured.

Although the commissioners say a major oil spill in Poole Harbour is very unlikely, it is important that the risk is assessed and there is a plan in place to respond to such an incident, particularly in such environmentally sensitive areas as the harbour.

The plan is approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Harbour Master, Captain Brian Murphy said: “These exercises are vitally important to ensure that Poole Harbour Commissioners highly-trained personnel are prepared to deal with such an unfortunate event professionally and swiftly, plus minimise any health risk, damage to the environment and to ensure business continuity.”

He added: “They allow us to test our plan against various scenarios with the aim of gaining experience and improving preparedness and improving the plan itself.

“These exercises will provide the harbour community with confidence in the knowledge that Poole Harbour Commissioners and other organisations will be prepared in the event of a major oil spill in Poole Harbour.”