Workboat 'leaking oil' into Oban harbour after sinking off coast

Concerns have been raised that a workboat which sank in the Sound of Kerrera off the coast of Oban could be leaking oil.

Oban Lifeboat crews were called to reports of a sinking vessel on March 3.

On arrival, it was found that the workboat had sunk at its mooring, with a large amount of flotsam and debris around the wreck.

The vessel’s owner confirmed no one was on board.

Locals have reported oil leaking into the harbour from the vessel for “several days” with the oil slick getting “progressively worse”

HM Coastguard has confirmed that the owner is expected to put containment booms in place, which will prevent pollution from spreading and enable oil recovery.

A spokesperson said: “HM Coastguard has been monitoring a vessel reported to have sunk on March 3 off Oban and is liaising closely with the owner, which has responsibility for salvage and counter-pollution measures.

“Containment booms are planned to be put in place by the owner, and the vessel to be removed later.”