ExxonMobil leak: Broken pipe caused Fawley diesel spill in Southampton

According to the incident and events report from the River Hamble Harbour management committee, a broken jetty pipe at Fawley Marine Terminal on Southampton Water caused the diesel spill. 

ExxonMobil previously described the leak as small.

"Spill of gasoil (diesel) from pipe fractured during cleaning at low water in north west winds," the report says.  

There was said to be "no significant impact on the river".

A spokesperson from Associated British Ports confirmed that the Harbour Master’s patrol launch inspected Southampton Water the following day, and the Esso team made a shore walks inspection.

"After these checks, there were no signs of residual oil in the water or on the shoreline and the oil had been dispersed. 

"The spill response team used vessel agitation and booming/containment of the area to clean up the spill."

The incident happened on February 16 and the Environment Agency was investigating.

An Agency spokesperson previously told the Echo: "We received a report from Fawley refinery that approximately 100 litres of residual gas oil had escaped from pipework.

"Fortunately the majority of the oil has been contained onsite and their recovery contractors are also mitigating any potential pollution impacts to the local environment.

"Our regulatory teams are in contact with the site operator to ensure that environmental impacts are minimised and to fully understand how and why this incident occurred."