Oily spillage pollutes beaches of Panama island

Panamanian authorities continued with the clean-up and investigation of the spill off the coast of Taboga of an oily substance that has not yet been identified.

Cleaning has been under way since Wednesday, with workers using containment barriers and absorbent towels supervised by the Panamanian Maritime Authority (PMA) and Environment Ministry.

The PMA said its officers were investigating vessels anchored close to Taboga island, with the process "60% complete" by Thursday, according to Director-General of Ports Flor Pitty.

Yehudi Rodríguez, a member of the Shark Defenders organization, criticised the regularity of spills in the area of Taboga.