The oil spill in the Black Sea will not reach the shores of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. This became clear late Friday evening at an emergency meeting between the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov and the Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh. The two met urgently to discuss the situation and potential risks for the Bulgarian coast.

Media publications, according to which the spread of oil pollution in the Kerch area to the West has been observed since December 2024, were the occasion for the interdepartmental meeting.

From the analysis of the current satellite images requested that evening from the Higher Naval School "N. Y. Vaptsarov" and provided by Prof. Miroslav Tsvetkov, it became clear that the pollution will not be oriented towards the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

Minister Manol Genov was categorical that there is no danger of pollution for the Bulgarian waters in the Black Sea after the accident with the two Russian tankers on December 15, 2024. His words are confirmed by the simulations conducted with data on sea currents from the Copernicus Program for the period from December 19, 2024 to January 21, 2025 included, as well as by the immediately requested expert assessment, according to which: "...even hypothetically, if the pollution had not sunk, but on the contrary, had increased and continued to expand, its movement and spread would be oriented towards the South, in direction of the coasts of the Republic of Turkey, and part of it would swirl in the waters of the city of Novorossiysk".

Meanwhile, the route of the spill is subject to daily monitoring, not only in Bulgaria, but also in Russia, Romania, Turkey, and Ukraine, whereby the data confirm those from our side. "There is continuous communication among the interested departments in these countries, which guarantees the safety of citizens," explained Minister Manol Genov, adding that the situation in the Black Sea remains under monitoring.

"Such malicious allegations cause concerns for the tourism industry - something that we will not allow. We are making and will continue to make every effort for Bulgaria to maintain its status as a safe and secure destination. Therefore, we are doing everything necessary to nip in the bud any speculation related to a potential threat to the life and health of Bulgarian and foreign citizens on our Black Sea coast," said the Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh.