Oil Spill Accident in the Sea of Japan

The Russian tanker Nakhodka met a hull-broken accident in sailing in the Sea of Japan on January 2, 1997, releasing approximately 6200 kl of heavy oil into the Sea of Japan. The spilled oil was driven by the prevailing winds and water currents and polluted the coastline from the Shimane Prefecture through the Yamagata Prefecture. While much effort was made to remove the reached oil, many workers engaged in oil-removing complained of an eyeache, giddiness, a headache, etc. These symptoms were considered to be caused by volatile chemicals in the oil. Although the greater part of the oiled coastline was cleaned shortly after the oil pollution, there is concern that sands, rocks and sea water of the shore were still contaminated with chemicals included in the oil. Furthermore, some part has remained not to be treated. Extensive scientific studies were conducted to 1) evaluate the influence of volatile chemicals in the spilled oil on the health of oil-removing workers, 2) assess the impact of the spill on the ecosystem, 3) where and how long the contamination by the oil or chemicals persists in the environment. This paper reviews the activities and researches made after the Nakhodka oil spill accident.