Cleanup operations are underway on the Wadden Sea island of Rømø after an oil spill led to the closure of approximately 20 kilometers of beach from Lakolk southward along the coast on Thursday. Police are currently investigating the source of the spill.

The oil, consisting of pellets measuring one to two centimeters in diameter, is concentrated in a strip along the beach spanning 50 to 100 meters.

While Danish Defence aircraft have confirmed that there is no additional oil present in the sea near Rømø, German authorities have reported similar oil findings on the island of Sylt, located further south.

Authorities anticipate that the beach cleanup will require two days to complete. Vehicular traffic is prohibited in the affected area until the cleanup is finished.

Visitors to the beach are strongly advised to avoid contact with the oil.