A clean-up operation was launched at a Moray harbour after fuel and paint spilled into the water.
Coastguard crews were called to Burghead at about 6.30pm on Thursday after the trawler, Pegasus, keeled over in low tide.
It is understood the fuel spilled out of the vessel as it tipped onto its side after its hull hit the seabed.
Pools of blue paint were still visible at the harbour yesterday, with booms in place to stop it getting washed out to sea. Crew members were seen inspecting the bottom of the boat while it was painted.
Sun bouncing off the water showed a spectrum of colours from a film of fuel that could be seen in the rest of the harbour.
Witnesses on the quayside reported a thick smell of diesel in the air as emergency services responded.
It is not thought any significant damage will be caused to the environment as a result of the spillage.
Moray Council’s dredger, the MV Selkie, was due to arrive at the harbour at high tide to help with the clean-up operation if needed. Absorbent pads were used to collect the paint.
Yesterday a spokesman for the local authority explained they responded quickly when told diesel and paint were spilled.
He said: “Moray Council reacted as soon as it was alerted and booms were put in place to contain the spillage within the harbour. A cleaning-up operation operation is underway today and it is hoped to have it completed by the end of the day.”
Coastguard crews had the leak under control by about 9pm on Thursday and the clean-up operation began shortly after.
A spokesman said: “We sent a team to Burghead, they provided some initial support with containment-type devices to stop any leak going further while waiting for the harbour staff to attend.”
A Sepa spokesman said: “Sepa attended the site and is in contact with relevant partner organisations to ensure clean-up operations are carried out appropriately. At present we understand that there is no significant impact on the environment.”
The skipper of the trawler declined to comment when approached at the harbour yesterday.
