major incident has been declared after around 200 barrels of reservoir fluid leaked into Poole Harbour on Sunday.
Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHC) said a leak occurred at a pipeline under Owers Bay on Sunday.
The public is being advised to not swim in the area or the surrounding area.
Officials said they had activated an oil spill plan and the pipeline had been shut down.
“PHC have activated their oil spill plan and are working with a number of organisations. A major incident has been declared and a gold command unit has been established,” said Poole Harbour Commissioners.
“We would advise members of the public that they should not swim in Poole Harbour or the surrounding area until further notice.
“Anyone who has come into contact with the spill should wash immediately with soap and water. If eyes have come into contact with the spill they should be rinsed with water.”
Reservoir fluid can contain types of oils.
The Environment Agency (EA) said on Sunday afternoon it had received reports of a “large amount of oil” in the harbour, the BBC reported.
In a statement, Dorset Police said: “Please follow the advice not to swim in Poole Harbour or the surrounding area until further notice.”
The UK Health Security Agency also repeated the advice, saying: “Members of the public should not swim in Poole Harbour or the surrounding area until further notice.”
Meanwhile, Dorset Council said: “Dorset Council are supporting Poole Harbour Commissioners and other agencies to respond to this incident.”
