Oil pollution threatens popular beaches in Denmark and on Sylt!

Oil pollution threatens popular beaches in Denmark and on Sylt!

In Denmark, the beaches of the popular holiday island of Rømø have been closed to beach visitors since June 12, 2025. This drastic measure was initiated due to an unclear incident at sea and the appearance of oil drops on the beaches. A total of 22 kilometers of the coast are currently inaccessible, which is particularly unsettling for upcoming vacationers who have long imagined their summer vacation to be different. Harmful residues were also discovered on the neighboring islands of Mandø and Fanø, further complicating the situation. According to lokalkompass.de, the authorities are already working feverishly on cleaning the beaches, but have been slowed down by nature.

Large accumulations of oil droplets, averaging one to two centimeters in size, have accumulated on Rømø and are scattered across the beaches. In the context of the unexpected oil incident, Danish and German authorities are investigating together to find out the exact causes. In addition, a bathing ban was imposed, which means that swimming is currently prohibited in the affected areas. However, the spokesman for the State Agency for Coastal Protection, Wolf Paarmann, is optimistic: “All beach sections should be clean again by the end of next week,” [ndr.de] quotes him as saying.

A look at the cleanup work

Clean-up work is already underway on a section of beach in Lakolk on Rømø, which was reopened on Friday, June 13th. These include removing the oil droplets while at the same time ensuring that no new oil residue can reach the beaches in strong winds. It should also be noted that smaller lumps of oil were discovered on the beaches on Sylt, especially between the oyster pearl and the bird's bed. These quantities are currently being monitored in detail.

As Torben Godballe from the rescue workers explained, the situation where oil is found on the beaches is extremely rare. The cooperation between the Danish and German authorities in the investigation is intended to help clarify the cause of the pollution as quickly as possible. Until clarification is made, access to the beaches remains restricted and the safety of bathers is the top priority. Care is also being taken in the area to ensure that no oil gets into the surrounding salt marshes, which would make the situation even worse, according to n-tv.de.