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Post by LSDeep on Apr 18, 2005 7:46:55 GMT -5
GOA, India (16 April 2005) -- Tourists and scuba divers are avoiding Goa, a state in India famous for beautiful beaches and coral reefs that have been polluted by an oil spill.
A recent collision between two big ships off the coast of Goa led to an oil spill that has polluted tourist beaches throughout the state.
According to local tourism officials, at least 110,000 liters of fuel oil spilled into the sea threatening marine wildlife, coral reefs, public health and Goa's tourism industry.
Now the beaches are nearly deserted and one British tourist explained why.
"Oil spillage spoils the beach. It is such a lovely beach but it gets on the feet and toes when we walk. It is puts you off from going down to the sea. So, I don't like it. It is bad. It is a shame," said Angela, a tourist from England.
Authorities seem to be in denial about the problem. Despite nearly deserted beaches and sharp declines in occupancy rates, tourism officials continue to promote Goa's "sun-kissed" beaches and "pristine coral reefs" as if the oil spill never happened. COPYRIGHT © CDNN
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