The oil pollution generated by the collision between cross-Med ferry Ulysse (IMO 9142459) and container ship CSL Virginia (IMO 9289568) has reached the French Riviera, forcing the closure of some beaches as volunteers with shovels and sacks try to rid the coastline of oily residue that had washed ashore, according to local reports.
The clean-up operation is taking place on beaches in the resort of Saint-Tropez and nearby Ramatuelle.
The collision occurred on October 8th. Fuel leaked from the tanks of the containership, which was rammed in the side at a speed of 19 knots.
2005-built, Cyprus-flagged, 54,592 gt CSL Virginia is owned by Duraven Shipping Co Ltd care of manager Cyprus Sea Lines Co of Athens, Greece. It is entered with Britannia P&I Club on behalf of Duraven Shipping Co Ltd.
1997-built, Tunisia-flagged, 17,907 gt Ulysse is owned and managed by Contunav of Tunis, Tunisia. It is entered with UK P&I Club (Group London L3) on behalf of Cie Tunisienne de Navigation SA (COTUNAV).