CIU Academician Assist. Prof. Dr. Ertan Akün stated that according to satellite images, the coverage of the leak has reached 1000 square kilometers of sea surface

Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering, Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Program Academic Staff Assist. Prof. Dr. Ertan Akün stated that due to wind, the almost 15 thousand tons of petrol that have leaked from the refinery in the city of Baniyas in Syria continues to move towards the Eastern Mediterranean and added that the direction of the wind will determine the exact location it reaches the shores of Karpasia, and the time it reaches.

Akün advised that the leak is able to move upon the sea surface due to its lower density, and went on to advise, “According to satellite images, the leak is continuing to move in the direction of Karpasia”.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Akün added to his statement that the leak previously covered 25-kilometer squares of the sea surface, however, according to new satellite images, the leak now covers 1000-kilometer squares of area.

Elaborating on the statements in relation to the leak indicating that when the leak is reached by suitable ships, it will be brought under control within the sea, Akün advised, “However, there is a possibility that this may not happen”.

Explaining that should the leak reach Karpasia, it may spread across the shores, Assist. Prof. Dr. Akün continued, “Drawing on the experience in Kalecik previously, it shows that the current appearance of Baniyas can be experienced here also”.

Adding that in terms of environmental damage, it is a threat to both life at the shores and within the sea, Akün went on to state, “The petrol covering the surface of the sea is obstructing light and air from passing to lower levels of the sea and thus, mass deaths of oxygen breathing living organisms will be experienced due to the lack of oxygen”.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Akün went on to explain that due to the petrol sticking to sea bird’s wings, the same effect will be observed and lead to deaths, and said, “It may bring us to the point of stopping tourism practices, which is one of our economic expectations”.

Pointing out that when it comes to the marine environment, there are different methods that can be applied, Akün further stated, “For example, methods such as burning, re-directing with barriers, use of water foam and chemicals, sedimentation and mechanical cleaning can be applied. However, the success of the cleanup depends on a number of factors, such as the amount the leak has spread, the number of ships, the wind speed, and some other parameters, and unfortunately, the chances of success with relation to the current situation seem low”.

Stating that when it comes to the struggle upon the land, crisis management should be part of it as an important alternative, Ertan Akün concluded, “In line with this, it is important to determine the team, equipment, and materials necessary as soon as possible, and to raise the alarm. If necessary, while we can contact companies that have experience in this field, in addition to Turkey’s contributions, we can also request international assistance”.