40 years on…

On 16th November 2019, the MRCC Corsen received reports of potential pollution in northern Finistère. The same day, oiled birds were found on the shoreline between the beaches of Saint-Samson and Saint-Jean-du-Doigt.

As soon as this information was confirmed, satellite, aerial, shipborne and onshore surveys were launched to detect the pollution. Despite the resources deployed, no pollution was detected.

However around forty birds, some bearing traces of oil, were found on the beaches of northern Finistère and Côtes d'Armor and were taken to the LPO Ile Grande rehabilitation centre. At the request of the Maritime Prefecture for the Atlantic, Cedre analysed samples taken from several oiled birds. The oil analysed showed major similarities with the heavy fuel oil of the Tanio.

On 21st and 22nd November, the French Navy sent the Pégase (a tripartite minehunter) to determine the precise location of the wreck of the Tanio, which lies off the coast of Batz Island at a depth of 80-90 metres. No pollution was detected by the Pégase around the wreck.

Surveys of the northern Finistère shoreline were reinforced and maritime surveillance continued.

Further investigations are scheduled to be conducted to assess the state of the wreck and to detect any possible leaks of oil remaining in the bow section of the Tanio.

In early December 2019, the French Navy deployed a ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). After several investigation dives, a few minor oil leaks were detected. These leaks were coming from two drilled holes fitted with valves, due to operations conducted in 1980 to pump out part of the Tanio’s cargo. The valves had been torn out of the two holes. 

From 5th to 8th September 2020, the leaks were plugged.

In late 2020, oiled birds were found on the shores of Finistère. At the request of the Maritime Prefecture for the Atlantic, Cedre conducted tests and, as in November 2019, the oil analysed showed major similarities with the heavy fuel oil of the Tanio. On 6th and 7th January 2021, an operation was conducted to assess the state of the wreck. This new investigation showed that 3 of the 10 plates fitted in September 2020 had been torn off by fishing gear and that one of the openings is leaking oil.

The feasibility of subsequent intervention is currently being studied and the maritime authorities are on high vigilance for the monitoring of this wreck.