A yacht that sunk off the coast of Israel's southernmost city of Eilat caused a hazardous diesel spill early on Wednesday morning, the Environmental Protection Ministry said.
Ministry inspectors were rushed to the scene after the yacht began spewing out gas into the water.
According to the ministry, the unregistered yacht was docked at the port with over 100 liters of diesel in the tank.
An investigation has been opened into the incident and a thorough examination of the damage caused will be held, it added.
Israel's tar spill of 2021
Two years ago, hundreds of tons of tar were pushed ashore due to inclement weather, coating approximately 160 km. out of the 190 km. of Israel’s Mediterranean coast.
Sea turtles, marine birds and endangered marine mammals were some of the wildlife that have since perished or have been affected by the spill.
The International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds later compensated Israel to the tune of some NIS 50 million.
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