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Published:
February 21, 2008
In
photos: Oil spill sparks wildlife rescue operation near Burnham
Wildlife
rescuers from the Burnham-On-Sea area were called into action
on Thursday (February 21st) after an oil spill polluted a mile-long
stretch of a stream running through Mark village.
Five
oil-coated birds were rescued by volunteers from Secret World,
helped by a rescue boat crew from Burnham-based BARB.
 A
team of more than 20 volunteers were involved after the oil spill
was found mid-morning near the White Horse pub in Mark.
The
Environment Agency was also at the scene throughout the day, trying
to contain the spill.
Enviroment
Agency spokesman Mike Dunning told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We're
investigating a leak along the watercourse known as the Mark Yeo
which links the Axe and the Brue rivers."
"We're
trying to trace the source of the oil, which is thick and black,
and along a one mile stretch of water." He added: "A
boom is being set up at Yarrow Farm to restrict movement of the
oil downstream."
Simon
Kidner, from Secret World, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "We dealt
with the rescue of several swans which had oil on them. As yet
we do not know the source of the oil."
BARB
also used a canoe to reach one of the birds
Nets
were used to try and capture the oil-coated swans
Wildlife
rescuers from Secret World kept a close eye on the oil-covered
swans from the riverbank
Rescuers
took up vantage points along the stream to try and capture the
swans
Simon
Kidner from Secret World chases after one of the swans as it tries
to flee
In
safe hands: one of the oil-coated swans is helped by the team
from Secret World and BARB
This
boom has been put into place besides Yarrow Road to prevent the
oil spill moving further downstream
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