VANCOUVER — People in Vancouver are being warned to stay away from some downtown-area beaches as crews continue to clean up a toxic spill that mucked up parts of the scenic coastline.
A black, fuel-like substance was discovered in the water around a bulk carrier ship on Wednesday and has spread over areas in the city's popular English Bay.
The Vancouver Park Board says city staff are patrolling English Bay, Sunset Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach, telling people to avoid the water until the health and ecological implications are clear.
Chairman John Coupar says staff are very concerned about how the spill will affect the city's pristine beaches.
The park board says several water birds with oiled feathers were spotted near Second Beach, but went back into the water before they could be tested.
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says the spill came from a ship named MV Marathassa, and more than 80 per cent of the material has been recovered.
