Oléron, France
Thousands of tons of oil from last month’s sinking of the tanker Prestige off the coast of Spain are now beginning to wash up on French shores. Spain called off its attempts to seal the wreck in late December, and oil continues to leak out at a rate of 100 tons a day. French officials fear the slick will contaminate the southwestern beaches, which are popular with tourists, as well as the oyster beds around Cape Ferrat. President Jacques Chirac vowed to prosecute those responsible for the spill, including the captain, owners, and contractors. “France and Europe must not allow these shady businessmen, these gangsters of the sea, to profit cynically,” he said.
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