Possible causes are being investigated, but for the time being, the emphasis is on mitigating the effects of any oil that comes ashore.
We have already mobilised our oil spill response contractor to do everything we can to deal with the consequences of this spill,” a Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said.
“Those contractors are working to remove pollutants and reduce the amount of pollution that could reach the shore.
We will continue to monitor the situation through regular surveillance flights across the area and will update our ongoing response plan based on that information.
“In addition, we are collaborating with local partners to ensure a coordinated response.
“Samples of the oil will be collected for testing to determine the source.”
The Coastguard said it was still updating its modelling to determine where any oil might wash ashore.
The first part of the slick is expected to arrive later today along the east Kent coast near Deal.
A Royal Navy vessel reported the first possible oil slick to the Coastguard.
Further research was conducted to determine the nature of the substance and its quantity.
According to a Coastguard spokesperson, all indications point to a single slick, and the spill does not appear to be a continuous stream.
Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the slick.
However, authorities claim that there does not appear to be any subsea infrastructure that would indicate a pipeline release.
