Oil spill reaches the coast of southern Athens

The oil spill created by a small tanker that sank in the Saronic Gulf on Sunday reached the shores of the capital's southern suburbs on Wednesday, prompting criticism that relevant authorities did not do enough to contain its spread.

According to reports, the coastlines of the suburbs of Aghios Cosmas, Elliniko, Alimos, Glyfada, Piraiki and Freattyda have all been impacted by the spill, and more than 10 anti-pollution vessels were deployed on Wednesday in the effort to contain its spread.

The Shipping Ministry said that work to seal the tanker, which had a cargo of 2,200 tons of fuel oil and 370 tons of marine gas oil, was completed on Wednesday.

The spill has already created an environmental disaster on the island of Salamina, covering a 2.5 kilometer stretch of coastline with oil, while estimates say that at least 300 tons of oil have leaked from the tanker.

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