The ESG have issued a statement questioning the source of yesterdays strong smells detected around Gibraltar.

A statement from the ESG follows below:

The ESG is most concerned to have received multiple reports today from residents around Gibraltar regarding heavy air pollution. Described as very strong, gas-like, bunkering smells, overwhelming and scary. We made our own enquiries with the authorities who have been trying to trace the source throughout the day. 

As far as we know the source has not been identified despite still being detected in some parts of the Rock some 9 hours later. According to some residents tourists were also observed to be visibly concerned as they made their way along North Mole Road this morning when smells were particularly strong.  

The smell was detected at  Europa Mews, Upper Town, Harbour Views, Waterport and Mons Calpe Mews,  as well as comprehensive schools all being affected, some for long periods of time.  

The group hopes that a pollution incident of this duration, covering such a wide area will be pinned down to an actual activity or incident.  

Gibraltar handles a large volume of fuel both for its operational needs as well as for commercial purposes.

The ESG trusts that every effort is continuously being made to ensure that all local handling is done to highest standards thus enabling any incident of this type to either be quickly identified, and polluter fined, OR, ruled out as having occurred in Gibraltar.  

We believe the community deserves to know what caused such pollution on the Rock today and await further answers from the Port and our authorities.