August 2003 - Karachi oil spill, Pakistan
29 August 2003
Government Schools along the Clifton beach closed
The city government and other relevant authorities have closed down government schools along the Clifton beach for four days as a few incidents of students fainting during school hours were reported. The schools will remain closed until 31st August, 2003.
20 August 2003
The fishing zone is temporarily safe, clean up operations continue
The scientists believe that with the current wind direction, the fishing zone is temporarily safe. Over the last two days, three truckloads of sand, fish, crabs and other marine species covered with oil have been removed from the nearby beaches. Experts say that Clifton beach, now covered with black oily filth should be closed for at least 2 to 3 months despite the Pakistani Government's promises to open it within 12 days.
19 August 2003
Residents of Karachi still facing health problems
Experts have reported that the air and water quality is still very bad, as a result of the oil spill, and is source of health problems. For example, prolonged exposure to oil fumes filled with hydrocarbons can cause serious respiratory and skin diseases.
Loss of revenue for the fishing sector
The Pakistan Fisheries Department has notified a ban on fishing in the vicinity of the catastrophe. The fishing industry expects to be badly affected by the current situation. The oil disaster and subsequent ban on fishing will affect the livelihood of 2 million fishermen living along the Karachi coast. Fish exports fetched US $ 135.3 million in the last fiscal year 2002 - 2003.
Official complaint
An official complaint has been lodged with the International Maritime Organization against the Greek owners of the Tasman Spirit.
18 August 2003
Health problems for nearby residents
The element of threat to the residents of Karachi still persists, as headaches followed by nausea and vomiting have been reported by beach visitors in and around the vicinity of the disaster.
Updates
Wildlife affected
Clean-up efforts
Contact information
Dr Ejaz Ahmad, Deputy Director General, WWF–Pakistan, tel: +92 021 4544791-92, email: wwfkhi@khi.compol.com Amjad Aslam, Head Communications, WWF–Pakistan, tel: +92 042 5862360, 5882069, email: aaslam@wwf.org.pk
