The oil spill in the Black Sea will not reach the shores of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
This became clear late on Friday evening at the extraordinary meeting between the Ministers of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh and Environment and Waters Manol Genov. The two met urgently to discuss the situation and the potential risks for the Bulgarian coast.
Media publications, according to which the spread of oil pollution in the Kerch Strait in a westerly direction has been observed since December 2024, became the occasion for the extraordinary interdepartmental meeting.
From the analysis of the current satellite images requested that evening from the Naval School, provided by Prof. Miroslav Tsvetkov, it becomes clear that the pollution will not be directed towards the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
The Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov is categorical that there is no danger of pollution of the Bulgarian waters in the Black Sea after the accident with two Russian tankers on December 15, 2024. His words are confirmed by the simulations made using data on the sea currents of the “Copernicus“ Program for the period from 19.12.2024 to 21.01.2025. including, as well as from the immediately requested expert assessment, according to which:
„…even hypothetically if the pollution had not sunk, but on the contrary, had increased and continued to develop, its movement and spread would be oriented south, towards the coasts of the Republic of Turkey, and part of it would swirl in the waters of the city of Novorossiysk.“
Meanwhile, the path of the spill is subject to daily monitoring not only in Bulgaria, but also in Russia, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine, where the data confirms those from our side. „There is continuous communication between the interested departments in these countries, which guarantees the safety of citizens“ – explained Minister Manol Genov and added that the situation in the Black Sea remains under monitoring.
„Such malicious statements worry the tourism industry – something that we will not allow. "We are making and will continue to make every effort to ensure that Bulgaria maintains its status as a safe and secure destination. Therefore, we are doing everything necessary to nip in the bud any speculation related to a potential threat to the life and health of Bulgarian and foreign citizens on our Black Sea coast," said the Minister of Tourism, Miroslav Borshosh.