River Hamble oil spill exercise begins today

Boaters are being warned that an exercise to test the response of teams to an oil spill in the River Hamble will begin today, so navigation may be restricted

An exercise to test the response of teams to an oil spill will begin on the River Hamble today with some booms remaining in place until Thursday.

A notice to riverusers reads: “The exercise will be based on a scenario centred on the M27 bridge across the river and will involve the deployment of oil booms upstream and downstream of the bridge.

“The main channel will remain open at all times, but access may be slightly restricted by the booms. There will be considerable small boat activity in the area. Some booms will be left in place overnight but will not be in a position which endangers navigation. They will be illuminated and a boat patrol will be on station throughout.”

Boaters are advised to monitor VHF Channel 68 for updates.

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